To celebrate Holden’s finale in the top flight of Australian motorsport, Repco Supercars Championship winner Shane van Gisbergen will run the coveted #1 on his Red Bull Ampol Racing Team Commodore in Adelaide.
Last used by former teammate and current Team Principal Jamie Whincup in the 2018 finale at Newcastle, with the seven-time champ highlighting the number’s importance.
“Guys like [Mark] Skaifey, [Marcos] Ambrose, myself… we all ran the number one, being the championship winner,” Whincup said.
“I felt it was quite important to showcase the results that occurred the year before.
“We’re coming through an era of Scotty and SVG being keen to stick to their own number.
“It’s always good to see the number one on a car.”
Kiwi van Gisbergen is a fan of the new livery the former factory Holden squad will run in Adelaide.
“I think the Holden tribute livery looks awesome,” van Gisbergen said of the livery.
“Everyone that has been involved in the design has done a fantastic job.
“I’ve also decided to run #1 on my car for the final round of the season.
“We’re in a lucky position with the championship wrapped up that we can do something cool like this.
“It’s a thank you to the entire team because I know they’ve always loved running the #1 and have truly earnt it this year.”
With his third Repco Supercars title wrapped up, the thought of relaxing hasn’t emerged in van Gisbergen’s mind as he aims to end Holden’s journey in victory.
“It also suits with the last race for Holden running the #1 on the side of the car,” van Gisbergen added.
“I’ve got memories of Jamie and Skaifey running the #1 at the start of the season and winning on the streets of Adelaide.
“It was the manufacturing home of Holden, so hopefully it will be a meaningful tribute to the many employees past and present.
“It would be great to win the last race for sure, but if it can’t be me, hopefully it’s another Holden.”