Reigning Bathurst 1000 champion Lee Holdsworth has called time on his Supercars career, announcing he will retire at the end of 2022.
Holdsworth made an emphatic full-time return to the championship this year with Grove Racing after winning the Great Race with Chaz Mostert and Walkinshaw Andretti United in 2021.
At 39-years-old, the Supercars veteran said now is the time to call it a day as he looks to spend more time with family and pursue a new career path.
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Holdsworth attested "it's not over yet" as he looks to secure a future in Supercars as a co-driver.
"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."
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Having recently celebrated his 500th start in Supercars, Holdsworth paid tribute to Rob Smith, who Holdsworth made his Supercars debut with in the 2004 Sandown 500.
The Melburnian made his first solo start later that year in Smith's Holden VX Commodore at Sydney Motorsport Park.
From that cameo, Holdsworth earned a co-drive role with Garry Rogers Motorsport in 2005 before going full-time with the team in 2006.
He drove full-time for the eponymous team until the end of 2011 at which point he joined Stone Brothers Racing (2012), which soon became Erebus Motorsport (2013-14).
A four-year tenure followed at Team 18 (2015-18) before joining Tickford Racing (2019-20).
An awkward situation whereby Tickford Racing had five drivers signed to its team but only three seats available meant Holdsworth spent 2021 on the sidelines.
However, he was swiftly picked up to co-drive in the Bathurst 1000 with Walkinshaw Andretti United, duly winning the race with Mostert and earning a full-time return with Grove Racing.
Holdsworth was not expected to continue with Grove Racing beyond 2022, although there were rumours he might join the Blanchard Racing Team.
Now, the four-time race winner will step away from the category.
"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," said Holdsworth.
"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!"
Holdsworth's departure all but confirms Grove Racing's line-up for the 2023 season.
It's expected David Reynolds will be joined by Matt Payne, the latter who will make his Bathurst 1000 debut later this year alongside Holdsworth.
Grove Racing team boss Stephen Grove commended Holdsworth, who, despite only being with the team for one season, said he made an impact.
"I'd love to see him keep driving but understand the direction he wants to go at this stage in his life," said Grove.
"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."
Supercars continues with the Auckland SuperSprint at Pukekohe Park in New Zealand on September 9-11.
For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here!
Reigning Bathurst 1000 champion Lee Holdsworth has called time on his Supercars career, announcing he will retire at the end of 2022.
Holdsworth made an emphatic full-time return to the championship this year with Grove Racing after winning the Great Race with Chaz Mostert and Walkinshaw Andretti United in 2021.
At 39-years-old, the Supercars veteran said now is the time to call it a day as he looks to spend more time with family and pursue a new career path.
LIVE UPDATES: US Open 22 day one highlights
READ MORE: Aussie crashes out of US Open in five-set thriller
READ MORE: Rising Brooks heir to quit in major Tigers blow
Holdsworth attested "it's not over yet" as he looks to secure a future in Supercars as a co-driver.
"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."
Stan Sport is the only place to watch the 2022 IndyCar Series. Continues September 4-5 with round 16 in Portland. All the action streaming ad-free, live and on demand
Having recently celebrated his 500th start in Supercars, Holdsworth paid tribute to Rob Smith, who Holdsworth made his Supercars debut with in the 2004 Sandown 500.
The Melburnian made his first solo start later that year in Smith's Holden VX Commodore at Sydney Motorsport Park.
From that cameo, Holdsworth earned a co-drive role with Garry Rogers Motorsport in 2005 before going full-time with the team in 2006.
He drove full-time for the eponymous team until the end of 2011 at which point he joined Stone Brothers Racing (2012), which soon became Erebus Motorsport (2013-14).
A four-year tenure followed at Team 18 (2015-18) before joining Tickford Racing (2019-20).
An awkward situation whereby Tickford Racing had five drivers signed to its team but only three seats available meant Holdsworth spent 2021 on the sidelines.
However, he was swiftly picked up to co-drive in the Bathurst 1000 with Walkinshaw Andretti United, duly winning the race with Mostert and earning a full-time return with Grove Racing.
Holdsworth was not expected to continue with Grove Racing beyond 2022, although there were rumours he might join the Blanchard Racing Team.
Now, the four-time race winner will step away from the category.
"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," said Holdsworth.
"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!"
Holdsworth's departure all but confirms Grove Racing's line-up for the 2023 season.
It's expected David Reynolds will be joined by Matt Payne, the latter who will make his Bathurst 1000 debut later this year alongside Holdsworth.
Grove Racing team boss Stephen Grove commended Holdsworth, who, despite only being with the team for one season, said he made an impact.
"I'd love to see him keep driving but understand the direction he wants to go at this stage in his life," said Grove.
"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."
Supercars continues with the Auckland SuperSprint at Pukekohe Park in New Zealand on September 9-11.
For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here!
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