Truck Assist Mustang for Holdsworth in 2020

Lee Holdsworth will race in new colours next season, with Truck Assist replacing The Bottle-O as the naming rights backer on Tickford Racing’s #5 Ford Mustang.

Tickford has announced a multi-year contract extension for 2019 recruit Holdsworth alongside its new sponsorship deal.

Truck Assist links with Tickford after a stint backing Jack Le Brocq at Tekno Autosports, marking the end of The Bottle-O’s four-year tenure on the #5 entry.

Although yet to be confirmed, Le Brocq is expected to join Tickford in 2020 to replace Chaz Mostert in the #55 Supercheap Auto Mustang.

Cameron Waters and Monster are already confirmed to be continuing with car #6, while the Tickford fleet will again be rounded out by the Will Davison-driven Milwaukee Racing entry.

“The team at Truck Assist are very committed to the sport, and we’re elated to partner with them from next year onwards,” said Tickford CEO Tim Edwards.

“They believe in what we do as a team, and believe in the overall product of the category, which is really exciting for us and for the sport.

“We absolutely look forward to working with them and providing them success on and off the track.”

According to the team, the change for car #5 does not necessarily spell the end of its Bottle-O relationship, which stretches back to 2010.

“Today’s announcement does not mean any of our major partners are withdrawing from the team,” read a statement.

“Our commercial arrangements for 2020 continue to develop, and we look forward to announcing further sponsorship signings and renewals in the coming weeks.”

Edwards meanwhile praised Holdsworth’s contribution to the squad, having replaced Mark Winterbottom for 2019 in what turned out to be a direct swap with Team 18.

“Lee’s been great for us in and out of the car,” said Edwards, following a breakthrough podium for Holdsworth at Sandown.

“He gelled with the team straight away at the start of this year, provides great insight in team meetings, and has been great with fans and sponsors.

“Once he acclimatised to our car the results started coming, and they came in droves.

“We’re more than happy to continue with Lee, and look forward to seeing him hoist more trophies in 2020.”

Added Holdsworth: “We’ve had a great second half of 2019 and I really feel confident in the team and the car, so I’m very happy to be staying put.

“This year’s given my career a shot in the arm. I always felt I have many more good years in me, and this year I’ve been able to prove it.

“I’m really grateful to Tickford that I’ll be able to continue fighting for top fives and podiums with them in 2020.”

Truck Assist General Manager Alan Hasted said the brand looks forward to continuing its Supercars involvement.

“Supercars provides us with an incredible opportunity to connect with our customers through a shared passion for motorsport,” he said.

“We’ve thoroughly enjoyed our involvement with Supercars over the past year, and to join one of the category’s premier teams is a fantastic way for us to continue to build connections with the audience.

“We can’t wait to see Lee and the Truck Assist Ford Mustang hit the track.”