Lee Holdsworth Confirms Supercars Enduro Cup Return
The veteran driver plans to compete in the 2027 season following a dramatic finish at the 2026 Bathurst 1000.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Motorsports
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Lee Holdsworth has announced his intention to return to the Supercars Enduro Cup in 2027. This decision follows a heartbreaking end to his 2026 Bathurst 1000 campaign, where his car ran out of fuel on the final lap.
Why it matters
Holdsworth is looking for redemption after a high-profile mistake cost him a win in 2026. His return provides a significant boost for Team 18, which is expected to exercise a contract option to keep the experienced driver on the grid.
Lee Holdsworth is 43 years old and has competed in 23 Bathurst 1000 races throughout his career. He previously secured a victory at the event in 2021 and a second-place finish in 2025.
The players
Lee Holdsworth
He is a seasoned race car driver with two decades of experience and a career that includes a victory at the Bathurst 1000.
Team 18
This is a professional Supercars Championship racing team that employs Lee Holdsworth and competes in the Enduro Cup.
Anton De Pasquale
He is a professional race car driver who partnered with Lee Holdsworth for the 2026 Bathurst 1000.
Chaz Mostert
He is a professional racing driver who served as Lee Holdsworth's co-driver during their successful 2021 Bathurst 1000 campaign.
David Reynolds
He is a veteran Supercars driver who teamed up with Lee Holdsworth to achieve a podium finish at the 2025 Bathurst 1000.
The details
During the 2026 Bathurst 1000, Holdsworth and teammate Anton De Pasquale were in a strong position for Team 18 before an under-filled fuel tank forced the car to stall on the final lap. Despite the frustration, the commercial real estate agent intends to return for the 2027 Enduro Cup events at Bathurst and Tailem Bend.
Timeline
Holdsworth won the Bathurst 1000 in 2021.
He secured a second-place finish in 2025.
The 2026 Bathurst 1000 took place in October 2026.
He plans to return to the Supercars Enduro Cup in 2027.
Season Trajectory
This return marks a pivotal moment for Team 18 as they attempt to reconcile a major operational failure at Bathurst with the need for veteran consistency. It signals a shift in the Enduro Cup strategy as teams look to balance driver experience against the technical requirements of modern racing.
Holdsworth’s return secures a veteran presence for Team 18 during the 2027 Enduro Cup, potentially stabilising their driver lineup. This move directly addresses the fuel-management failure seen at Bathurst by placing an experienced driver back in the cockpit for key endurance rounds.
The takeaway
Even the most experienced athletes must contend with operational errors that are often out of their direct control. Holdsworth's move to return demonstrates that resilience in motorsport often requires shaking off past disappointments to focus on future opportunities.
Further reading
For more updates on the domestic racing circuit, visit the Motorsports section.
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