Schwerkolt joins Walkinshaw Racing

Walkinshaw Racing has confirmed today that Charlie Schwerkolt is bringing his #18 Racing Entitlements Contract to the team for the 2015 season.

Schwerkolt, and Walkinshaw Racing Managing Director Adrian Burgess are back working together for the first time since their 2010 championship winning collaboration.

The move will see race-winning driver Lee Holdsworth back in a Holden for the first time since 2011, alongside Walkinshaw incumbents James Courtney, Garth Tander and Tim Slade.

Team owner Charlie Schwerkolt said he has made the move to Walkinshaw Racing to ensure the future of his team, and that re-connecting with Burgess was a definite factor in the decision.

"The times working with Adrian were some of the best in my career as a team owner, and I would like to rekindle that level of success once again," said Schwerkolt.

"I am joining a team that is heading in the right direction, making the changes necessary to ensure long-term success in the world's toughest touring car category. The announcement just last year of a multi-year extension to Holden's factory support of the team is also very encouraging.

"Being able to put Lee into a Walkinshaw Holden is a very exciting proposition. I think we'll definitely be in the hunt for some great results in 2015 and beyond. We've got some great times ahead of us," Schwerkolt concluded.

Burgess echoed those sentiments, whilst reiterating that Walkinshaw Racing will be looking for success for all four of its entries in 2015.

"Working with Charlie again will be fantastic, we've got a great team here at Walkinshaw and working with the right people is key," said Burgess.

"Nothing less than wins for all four cars will be deemed a success for us this year. We spent 2014 rebuilding, and have come a long way in a short period of time. Having Charlie join the team, with Lee coming onboard as a driver ensures that the future is bright."

Holdsworth is excited about being a part of the Walkinshaw Group, which includes the famous Holden Racing Team, and is looking to re-establish himself as a front-runner after two tough seasons.

"I'm really pleased to be behind the wheel of a Walkinshaw Holden in 2015," said Holdsworth.

"Walkinshaw Racing is the most successful team in the history of the sport, so to be a part of that history is pretty special. This opportunity is a great one, and I can't wait to get behind the wheel in a few weeks at the SuperTest."

Schwerkolt previously placed his REC with Prodrive Racing (Australia), but it was announced last week he would depart, and Super Black Racing would fill the slot for a fourth car.

Walkinshaw Racing ran four cars last year, but after James Rosenberg failed to enter his REC for 2015, only had three entries confirmed until today.

The announcement that Holdsworth would race Schwerkolt's entry came as a shock last year, after Holdsworth's former team Erebus Motorsport had publicised that he would drive with the Mercedes crew for 2015.

Holdsworth's first drive of the #18 Holden will come at the sydney.com SuperTest at Sydney Motorsport Park across the weekend of February 7-8.