TeamVodafone unveil 2010 challengers
Six months after announcing TeamVodafone's switch to Holden, V8 Supercar champion Jamie Whincup and team-mate Craig Lowndes today unveiled the team's Commodore race cars.
The Triple Eight Race Engineering designed and built 2010 challengers will feature a 'sleek new livery concept' that was designed to 'suit the Commodore's stance and stature on track' and also 'celebrate the renewal of the highly successful relationship with Vodafone as naming rights sponsor for at least another three seasons'.
While the cars will retain their traditional fluorescent Vodafone rocket red, the now customary chrome will adorn even more of the car including the bonnet and boot lids. The side-on profile of the car has also evolved making for a distinctly different look and feel.
Though the livery represents a new direction, the move to Holden is somewhat of a return journey for Lowndes and Whincup, who both started their touring car careers with the Lion. Furthermore, the relationship with the Australian division of General Motors marks a highly significant return to its roots for Triple Eight Race Engineering.
A three-time champion with Holden, Lowndes said the return to the 'red side' had presented him with an exciting new challenge.
"I am really looking forward to the start of this season," Lowndes said. "Knowing I have always had my best results in a Holden definitely gives me some added confidence."
The #1 plate holder for the second year running, Whincup said he was very excited about the new livery and the prospect of the season.
"Like Craig, I also started my career with Holden and although I haven't won a race with the lion yet, I have set my goals high. To win a championship with both manufacturers will be the motivation we need to do the job," Whincup explained.
TeamVodafone naming rights sponsor Vodafone is eager to see the world's number one V8 Supercar team behind the wheel of a world-class machine.
Marketing director, John Casey commented: "The new TeamVodafone livery is the cutting edge of V8 Supercar design, fit for a multiple championship winning V8 Supercar team.
"Vodafone is delighted to continue its long standing relationship with TeamVodafone. We look forward to seeing Australia's number one V8 Supercar team battle it out for a third consecutive V8 Supercar Drivers Championship title behind the wheel of Holdens."
Holden Motorsport Manager Simon McNamara said the car manufacturer was delighted to finally welcome back Craig Lowndes and Jamie Whincup into the Holden family: "We are very excited about what is now the beginning of a new chapter in Holden's long and proud motorsport history.
"For Holden, the six months since the announcement of TeamVodafone joining our team line-up has been like a young child's anticipation of Christmas morning and the opportunity to open their presents. The wait is now over and we are thrilled with what we see in the TeamVodafone Holden Commodores."
Whilst continuing to enjoy successful partnerships with Vodafone, Nokia, Norton, Toshiba, Komatsu and Hogs Breath Cafe, TeamVodafone also welcomes new partners Holden and Caltex onboard for 2010.
"As well as welcoming back our naming rights sponsor Vodafone for another three years we are all delighted to be returning to the General Motors fold with Holden," said Roland Dane, team [rincipal. "Furthermore I'm really pleased to be renewing our partnership with Caltex after a two year absence. We also couldn't compete at the level we do without the great support and commitment that we continue to enjoy from our major partners Nokia, Norton, Toshiba, Komatsu and Hogs Breath Cafe."
In seven days time TeamVodafone's brand new Holden Commodore VE race cars will take to the track for their first official test day at Queensland Raceway.
