Walkinshaw launches new era

Ryan Walkinshaw has taken the covers off a rebranded Mobil 1 HSV Racing ahead of the new Supercars season.

The new name follows the end of the Walkinshaw family-owned squad’s 26-year stint under the Holden Racing Team banner.

Launched alongside a joint Mobil 1/HSV livery, the team says it will rotate a number of major brands on its two cars throughout the season.

“We have two of the most recognisable and longstanding partners in the sport – Mobil 1 and HSV, who have come together as the naming rights sponsors of our new team,” explained Walkinshaw.

“Together with the extensive expertise in the Walkinshaw garage, we believe we are in a perfect position to kick-start our new chapter.

“Today I am proud to reveal our stunning launch livery which features Mobil 1 and HSV branding.”

Naming rights sponsors Mobil 1 and Walkinshaw’s road car business HSV are both long-term backers of the Supercars team.

Mobil previously featured in the team’s title in the 1990s, while the squad ran additional entries under the banner of the HSV Dealer Team from 2005-2008.

“For many years the iconic Mobil 1ä brand has remained a technology partner of the Walkinshaw Racing team,” said Mobil Motorsport Manager Australia, Colin Smith.

“In conjunction with our authorised lubricant distributors in ANZ we are very excited to further enhance our relationship with the team for 2017.”

Holden Special Vehicles CEO Tim Jackson says that the company is eager to increase its alignment with the racing effort.

“HSVs are performance vehicles bred from the race track, so aligning more closely with the race team provides a way for our passionate HSV fans to be a closer part of who we are, at all levels of performance,” said Jackson.

Star driver James Courtney and new recruit Scott Pye will carry the renamed squad into battle, starting with the Clipsal 500 Adelaide on March 2-5.

“Our fans have such a strong connection with us that it doesn’t matter whether we carry a new name or wear different colours, they know our goal is to win races,” said Courtney.

“It’s their team, it’s their journey and I want to be bringing that team back to the glory days.

“This has been my home for so long and I can’t wait to give our loyal supporters who have stood by us something to cheer about this season.”

The team has also confirmed the signing of new sponsor Visa Global Logistics and the re-signing of existing backers Sharkbite Plumbing Solutions, SP Tools, Morris Finance, Biante, Scania and PPG.