HRT pays tribute to ANZAC spirit
Holden will commemorate next month's centenary of the Gallipoli landings with its factory Holden Racing Team paying its annual tribute to the ANZAC spirit with a one-off livery in Tasmania next weekend.
V8 Supercars Champions, Garth Tander and James Courtney's HRT Commodores will carry the commemorative ANZAC design at the Tyrepower Tasmania SuperSprint, at Symmons Plains Raceway, on 27-29 March.
Now in its third year, HRT's tribute is approved and supported by the Returned & Services League, with the initiative raising awareness and funds for the RSL's annual ANZAC Appeal.
The 2015 version sees Holden's famous HRT lion and driver logo again replaced by the RSL's ANZAC Appeal Rising Sun logo, with a silhouette of ANZAC diggers from the original Gallipoli landing featuring on each side of the car and bonnet.
The ANZAC Appeal logo also features on the boot lid, with "ANZAC Centenary, April 25, 2015" featuring above the front windscreen and on the rear wing.
Tander said he is passionate about ANZAC Day and the RSL's appeal because of family ties.
"ANZAC Day is a very special day in my family because grandfather served overseas in the Army, so when you say 'ANZAC', the first thing I think about is respect," Tander said.
"The ANZAC spirit epitomises what Australia is all about; going out of your way for a mate, doing the hard work, and doing it properly, and working together - and now as a parent I'm making sure my kids hear the full ANZAC story and what it means.
"To me, it's special to be able to carry the ANZAC Rising Sun, and even more so this year with the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings."
Courtney agreed, saying the ANZAC tribute is a memorable part of HRT's year.
"The ANZACs fought for our freedom and made Australia what it is today, and their spirit and courage in battle is something we can never thank them enough for," Courtney said.
"To have the original ANZACs shadowed across my car is a strong image that really brings home the impact of what diggers went through, and it's great of Holden to give up its space for the appeal.
"It's a special time of year and something I really look forward to representing with pride."
GM Holden Motorsport and Sponsorship Manager Simon McNamara said Holden was proud to donate its space on the HRT Commodores to acknowledge those who have served our country.
"The Holden Racing Team's annual ANZAC tribute has become a very special part of Holden's motorsport activities and in this, the 100th year since the Gallipoli landings, it makes us even more proud," McNamara said.
"As a company, Holden is privileged to be able to continue supporting the ANZAC tradition, honouring those that have served and paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country, while also helping raise awareness to the valuable work of the RSL."
The RSL's Victorian Branch Appeals Manager, Peter Smith OAM, said the organisation was delighted with Holden and HRT's ongoing commitment to remembering the service and sacrifice of the Australian Defence Force.
"The ANZAC appeal logo on the car is great, and the silhouette of the solders is just so powerful. The cars look fantastic and it's a testament to Holden's support. It makes us very proud," Mr Smith said.
"We're raising money for veterans welfare - old veterans, young veterans, and their families when they most need help. This support and helping get our message out to Australians is very important to us.
The Holden Racing Team encourages everyone to support the ANZAC Appeal by purchasing an ANZAC Appeal badge and wearing it with pride, or by donating online at www.anzacappeal.com.au.
