Brett Holdsworth has wrapped up third in the 2022 Turtle Wax Trans Am Series after an incredible fightback from last on the grid at the final round in Sandown.
The Breeze Holiday Parks team entered the round in mathematical contention for the series win, but realistically fighting and targeting the second runner-up position Holdsworth occupied by 31 points over his nearest rival.
The weekend got off to a disastrous start with a broken pulley bolt on the power steering on the out lap in qualifying ending his session immediately. The Ashley Seward Motorsport team were able to fix the issue in time for race one later that day. Unfortunately that race was cancelled as torrential rain and even spots of hail descended over the circuit just moments before the scheduled start.
Two races on Sunday were subsequently all that remained for Holdsworth to recover from qualifying at the back. Another downpour before the start of race two saw a split down the pit lane on starting tyres, with Holdsworth sent out on slicks for the reconnaissance lap. A last-minute call as cars rolled off for the formation lap saw Holdsworth pit for wet tyres and start from pit lane. A storming drive from the pits delivered an eighth-place finish, with 14 spots gained over the 18-lap race.
The final race of the weekend took place in extremely challenging conditions with standing water, rivers, mud and at times torrential rain all combining for what Holdsworth described as the worst conditions he’d ever experienced. Starting from eighth, the #99 Camaro driver expertly navigated his way through the 18 lap affair to finish in sixth position and claim third in the championship.
“This is the goal we set out to achieve, and it’s pretty cool to wrap it up and bring home third in such a competitive field,” said Holdsworth.
“Ironically starting last actually worked in our favour, we were sitting on the back of the grid at the start of race two – or one – thinking we’d take the risk on slicks. Then it started pouring down and we were able to turn into pit lane from our grid spot. The team did an awesome job changing the tyres so quick and gained us a few spots there.
“It’s nice to be up there with Nathan Herne and Owen Kelly who are very good drivers. It would have been nice to get a round trophy at some point during the season, but our consistency paid off and we’ll go to Bathurst and really attack for another trophy there.
“I want to thank everyone at Ashley Seward Motorsport, Breeze Holiday Parks and Site Traffic for their constant support and friendship this year,” concluded Holdsworth.
There is a special event to conclude the year at the Bathurst International, with Trans Am set for longer races across the weekend with some overseas drivers also tipped to make an appearance in the field. Holdsworth will be in action at the event from November 11-13.
Championship Standings
1. Nathan Herne – 1043
2. Owen Kelly – 1029
3. Brett Holdsworth – 943
4. Kyle Gurton – 903
5. Jon McCorkindale – 890
6. Lochie Dalton – 826
7. Edan Thornburrow – 821
8. Hugh McAlister – 821
9. Tim Brook – 779
10. Cody Burcher – 762