Holdsworth: I never imagined I'd get to 500

Lee Holdsworth is hoping to add more memories to his Supercars career as he approaches 500 races.

Holdsworth will bring up start No. 500 at next weekend’s Penrite Oil Sandown SuperSprint.

The 2021 Bathurst winner will become just the 11th driver in ATCC/Supercars history to reach the milestone.

It comes after fellow veterans James Courtney and Will Davison recorded 500 starts this season.

Holdsworth’s journey to 500 races has been rockier than most, especially of late.

The 39-year-old joined Penrite Racing this season in the wake of his stunning Bathurst triumph with Walkinshaw Andretti United.

The Bathurst win came after Holdsworth was axed by Tickford Racing, which downscaled to three cars in 2021.

Victory No. 1 came at Oran Park in 2007

He only joined Tickford in 2019, having left Team 18 in an effective swap with Mark Winterbottom.

Holdsworth’s name is now back in the headlines amid speculation linking him to Blanchard Racing Team.

Kiwi teenager Matt Payne is guaranteed a drive at Grove Racing, with David Reynolds expected to re-sign.

For now at least, Holdsworth is enjoying the moment and is keen to race beyond 2022.

"I never probably imagined I’d get to this amount of races," said Holdsworth, who is 13th in the points.

"500’s a hell of a lot. Certainly can’t remember a lot of them.

"I’ve had some success, I’ve a lot of lows.

Holdsworth's last Sandown start was a podium

"But very proud to still be in the sport after so long.

"I hold a lot of great memories. I hope there are more to add."

Holdsworth’s 500th start will come at a circuit he enjoys, and one he stood on the podium in his last start.

The Victorian finished third in the 2019 Sandown 500 alongside Thomas Randle.

Holdsworth already has a podium to his name this season, which fittingly came on home turf at Albert Park in April.

Another podium in front of family would be the tonic as Holdsworth looks to continue on in Supercars.

"I love Sandown," said Holdsworth, who launched the event on Monday.

Holdsworth broke through in Bathurst last year

"It’s an historic event, it’s a cool track.

"I’ve had some success there; last time I raced there, I was on the podium for the Sandown 500.

"I’m going to have a lot of support there with family, being a local track.

"I’m looking forward to it."

The first race of the Penrite Oil Sandown SuperSprint, Race 24, will be Holdsworth’s 500th.

Holdsworth's Bathurst co-driver, European-based Matt Campbell, will not take part in the Additional Driver session at Sandown.

The 2022 season will resume at the Melbourne circuit on August 19-21. Purchase your tickets now.

Most ATCC/Supercars race starts*

*Correct to 2022 OTR SuperSprint