Virtual Racing To Fill Motorsport Void And Holden Say Goodbye To Supercars.

Supercars, AGP. (C)

    The world is currently facing uncertain times with a global pandemic infecting the planet. A consequence of this is that motorsport is facing unprecedented circumstances which are constantly evolving and rapidly changing. While it was disappointing to only see Thursday of the Australian Formula One Grand Prix due to its cancellation, the right decision was made. There are much more important, prevailing issues at hand. 
    The Australian Grand Prix (AGP) isn't the only cancellation. Subsequent GP's have been cancelled or postponed. F1, optimistically, is delaying the start of the season until early June. They have moved the traditional August Summer break forward and have enforced a mandatory 3 week shutdown. Nevertheless, they are instigating a virtual series to help fill the void. The series will feature a number of F1 drivers plus some celebrities, based on the official 2019 PC game and be contested from the comfort of each combatant's home. The first event, the Bahrain Virtual GP is tomorrow morning Australian time.
    Australia's premier category, Supercars is also enduring a hiatus from track action. Supercars have also launched an eSeries which they hope will feature a full grid with all the current drivers. Interesting thing is, not all the drivers have embraced the world of simulators. Intriguing to see who'll come out on top. 
    With all that is going on, has anyone remembered that Holden are ceasing production of right hand driven vehicles at end of financial year? Holden ceased local production years ago, therefore late model Holdens are imported from Asia. Citing plummeting sales figures because of a trend towards compact SUV's, parent company General Motors just couldn't justify continuing to supply a small, fractured market. What does this mean for Supercars? We thought when Ford launched the Mustang to replace the Falcon, that soon we would soon see General Motors launch Chevrolet Camaro's to Supercars to replace the Holden Commodore. However, a telling factor which dispels that theory is that General Motors are also pulling Chevrolet out of Thailand by selling one of Asia's biggest car manufacturing facility's to Great Wall. 
    There's currently speculation that some of this year's Supercar Holden teams may run their current car next year unbadged.  Surely this is only a short term solution. Is there now a window of opportunity for new manufacturer/s to enter Supercars? One prominent team principle has already stated that they are already talking to a number of manufacturers, as they don't want to be seen to be promoting a brand that can't be purchased and is effectively obsolete.
    With racing currently suspended, we certainly hope some normality returns before October's Bathurst 1000. Punters deserve a final showdown of the Ford vs Holden rivalry across Mt Panorama and give Holden a fitting farewell. Then sadly, the Holden lion roars no more. Holden fans really do bleed red.
        

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