The Scottish racer will be remembered for helping lead Holden to its first series win in V8 Supercars Australia since 2002 through drivers Rick Kelly in 2006 and Garth Tander in 2007.

It is with great sadness that the Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) business learnt of the passing of Tom Walkinshaw. Tom Walkinshaw established and oversaw the team that grew HSV to become an iconic Australian brand, delivering memorable vehicles such as the original VL SS Group A ‘Walkinshaw’ in 1990 and more recently the exciting E Series 3 range.

Tom Walkinshaw has made an incredible contribution to the landscape of Australian Motor Racing and Automobile Industry over many years and he will be sadly missed by many in the Industry.

Chairman of Holden Special Vehicles, Jeffery Browne said; “Tom was an amazing character, a dedicated family man and a shrewd businessman. His dynamic vision for HSV lives on in all of us who were touched by his brilliance, ambition and seemingly endless energy.

Tom expressed to me during his illness, the need to ensure processes that kept his legacy intact and I am proud that we have successfully achieved that, from Board level to the factory floor.

I will miss a great friend and colleague but I am determined that his life’s work will live on in HSV.” Managing Director of Holden Special Vehicles, Phil Harding added; “It is a difficult time for Tom’s family, our thoughts are with them, and we would ask for privacy on their behalf at this time.

Tom was a tremendous inspiration to me and the whole team at HSV, and while we will all miss him the HSV business continues as normal. While these events are moments to reflect and grieve, it is important to remember that it is the continuation and success of the business that will serve as the best way of honouring Tom’s memory, and we know this was his desire and the desire of his family.”