Photo: Opel

Holden intends to keep Commodore name in racing

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Holden has announced its intention to keep the Commodore name in racing despite local production ending in Australia and the next generation being based on the front-wheel driven Opel Insignia.

“Racing is an integral part of Holden’s DNA and Commodore is the most successful nameplate in Australian Touring Car and V8 Supercar history and we are looking forward to winning races and championships with Commodores in the future,” said GM Holden Motorsport and Sponsorship Manager Simon McNamara.

Holden has currently got sponsorship contracts with Holden Racing Team and Triple Eight Race Engineering, contracts believed to end after the 2016 V8 Supercars season, the last season ahead of the introduction of new regulations in 2017.

The new regulations allow two-door cars and turbo-charged four and six cylinder engines, alongside the current four-door and V8-engined cars. The next generation Commodore, based on the Opel Insignia, is not going to be available as rear-wheel drive or with a V8 engine.

“We have every intention of racing Commodore for many years to come, but obviously we need to keep working with the regulators and ensure the specific program is the right one,” said McNamara.