In welcome news for Australian V8 Supercar fans, Holden has signed a multi-year deal to continue its partnership agreement with Red Bull Racing Australia.

Fans had wondered if Holden’s looming departure from Australian manufacturing would also mean the end of the iconic brand’s involvement with Australian touring car racing, especially with their contracts with the Holden Racing Team (HRT) and Red Bull Racing Australia due to finish this December.

But Holden has today confirmed that the Red Lion will continue to compete at Bathurst and that it will remain involved in the sport after manufacturing goes offshore in 2017.

Holden’s impressive team includes current champion Jamie Whincup and Bathurst 1000 legend Craig Lowndes. In the past four seasons, the team has won three V8 titles and four team championships, including 67 race wins and two victories in the Bathurst 1000.

“Holden is proud to extend its championship-winning partnership with Red Bull Racing Australia,” said Holden Motorsport boss Simon McNamara.

“Red Bull Racing Australia is the sport’s benchmark team, and together we have already achieved great success on and off-track.”

The future of Ford’s involvement in V8 Supercars remains unknown – it has been speculated that Holden’s decision to continue racing may put pressure on Ford to make a decision in the near future. Fans will just have to cross their fingers that Ford will follow Holden’s lead and maintain one of the country’s most beloved rivalries.

V8 Supercars CEO James Warburton said Holden’s announcement was a shot in the arm for Australia’s premier racing category.

“GM Holden is an iconic Australian brand with a long and successful history in motorsport and we are delighted that Holden has again committed its support to V8 Supercars,” Warburton said.