Drivers pay tribute to 'icon' Holdsworth

Current and former rivals have quickly moved to pay tribute to the retiring Lee Holdsworth.

Holdsworth announced Tuesday that the 2022 season will be his last as a full-time driver.

The 39-year-old only joined Penrite Racing this season in the wake of his Bathurst triumph.

Holdsworth will look to secure a leading co-drive for next year.

He will, however, shift his focus to his young family and commercial real estate career.

Holdsworth won last December’s Great Race alongside Chaz Mostert, who labelled his Bathurst winning co-driver a “national icon”.

“Loved watching you growing up loved racing with you and loved racing against you,” Mostert commented on Holdsworth’s social media.

“Best wishes with your next chapter.”

Mostert’s comment was one of several from drivers who have shared race tracks with Holdsworth.

Holdsworth made his full-time debut with Garry Rogers Motorsport in 2006.

A fellow GRM alumnus, Scott McLaughlin, said: “Wish you the best mate”.

McLaughlin’s IndyCar Penske teammate Will Power said: "Congratulations on a great career Lee”.

Current teammate David Reynolds, who shared an Albert Park podium with Holdsworth, was equally glowing of the retiree.

"Congratulations on a huge career," Reynolds said.

Mostert and Holdsworth, Bathurst 2021

"Sad to see you leave full time.”

Penrite Racing Team Owner Stephen Grove said Holdsworth had proved to be a valuable asset to the team.

The 502-race veteran’s season is highlighted by a surprise podium at Albert Park.

Holdsworth raced from 15th to third and shared the podium with Reynolds.

It was the first time in four years that the Braeside team had two drivers on the same podium.

However, Holdsworth’s impact has gone beyond racing, as exemplified by the comment by Reynolds’ partner Tahan Lew-Fatt.

"David and I love you as a person and as a team mate," Lew-Fatt posted.

"Thanks for making this year awesome."

Randle and Holdsworth, Sandown 2019

Thomas Randle, who finished third with Holdsworth in the 2019 Sandown 500, said: "Love ya bro, congrats on a stellar career".

Garth Tander added: "Onya Lee-Roy. Congratulations on the journey to this point. Heaps of cool stuff still ahead of you”.

Craig Lowndes said: "Congratulations mate what a career you have had. See you on the grid at Bathurst".

Holdsworth’s 19th consecutive Bathurst start will come alongside rookie Matt Payne.

Payne, who will effectively replace Holdsworth at Penrite Racing in 2023, said: "Let’s finish the year on a high".

Matt Campbell, who will race with Reynolds, added: "Congrats on your career mate".

Will Davison wrote: "Amazing career... extremely gifted driver, hard worker and wonderful human.

"A great role model and a definition of chasing your dreams. Be proud mate."

The likes of Rick Kelly, Nick Percat, Broc Feeney, Todd Hazelwood and Jake Kostecki also congratulated Holdsworth.

Broadcasters Greg Rust, Riana Crehan, Chris Stubbs and Mark Beretta also congratulated Holdsworth.

Stubbs and Holdsworth previously co-hosted Fox Sports’ The Loud Pedal podcast, and present the Penrite Preview vodcast.

Holdsworth is 14th in the points heading to next weekend's New Zealand round.

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