Lee Holdsworth announces retirement

Only weeks after reaching the personal milestone of his 500th career race start in Supercars, Lee Holdsworth has announced he will retire from full-time driving in the category.

With a resume that includes time with Rob Smith Racing, Garry Rogers Motorsport, Stone Brothers Racing, Erebus Motorsport, Team 18, Tickford Racing and, most recently, Grove Racing, Holdsworth has been a Supercars fixture almost every year since 2006.

Despite offers to continue his full-time career into 2023, the 39-year-old has decided now is the right time to hang up the helmet, although he will see out the remainder of the 2022 Supercars season.

From next year, Holdsworth aims to spend more time with family and continue his moves into the real estate business, while also making himself available for co-driver roles at enduros – hoping to repeat the success he enjoyed alongside Chaz Mostert at last year’s Bathurst 1000.

"I feel the time is right to focus on a future outside motorsport and devoting more time to my wife Alana and our children, Ava and Riley, as they grow up,” Holdsworth said in a statement released on 30 August.

"I’ve lived and breathed this sport since I was six years old and had the privilege of being a Supercars driver for over 17 years. It’s required huge sacrifices, hard work and commitment, but above all else it’s required enormous support from my family. For that I am extremely grateful.

"A big thank you to the people who have followed me, backed me and supported me over my many years in the sport.

"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.

"And thank you to the teams and crews with whom I have worked and shared so many memorable experiences. 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.

"I have been very fortunate to have been involved in a world class category for so long.”