on the v8supercar website
There is no official word yet on whether TeamVodafone will run Holden Commodores in the 2010 V8 Supercar Championship.
It has been speculated since Ford ended its sponsorship with TeamVodafone last year that the team would start running Commodores.
Even Team Principal, Roland Dane, has maintained a ?never say never? stance on the issue.
However, the rumour gained momentum yesterday (Monday) when a caller to radio station 3AW?s Rumour File segment alleged that a switch to Commodores would definitely happen before next year.
A motorsport publication ran a similar story last night and Sydney journalist Josh Dowling then reported on Sydney?s 3AW equivalent this morning that TeamVodafone will run Holdens in 2010.
Dowling also reported that Holden dealers have been invited to an announcement about the news tomorrow, but Holden Motorsport media spokesperson Gerald McDornan categorically denied the company had sent dealers any such invitation.
In a major announcement for the company, Holden advised earlier this week that current Sales, Marketing and Aftersales Executive Director, Alan Batey, would become Holden?s new Chairman and Managing Director.
Batey takes up his new position on September 1 and succeeds Mark Reuss, who is moving back to Holden?s parent company, General Motors, in the United States.
Walkinshaw Racing has reportedly signed a new contract the General Motors? Australian arm for Holden Racing Team. Confirmation of that deal is expected in coming weeks.
Neither Dane nor Holden Motorsport Manager, Simon McNamara, were available for comment today, but McDornan said that the company would not answer to speculation.
TeamVodafone media spokesperson Martine Cousins hosed down the rumours saying the Triple Eight team had no news to share on the manufacturer front.
Despite TeamVodafone?s heavy involvement last year in the development of the new FG, Ford directed its sponsorship to Ford Performance Racing and Stone Brothers Racing when it pared down its commitment to Australian motorsport.
TeamVodafone has not run a Ford logo on either of its cars this year and re-badged its FG Falcon shells with the Hogs Breath Caf??s mascot Hogster.
TeamVodafone announced last week that drivers Jamie Whincup and Craig Lowndes, both V8 Supercar Champions, will stay on with the team for at least another three years along with major sponsor Vodafone Hutchison Australia.