The sleeping giant of V8 Supercars – the once mighty Holden Racing Team (HRT) – is about to stir in 2014, according to reigning champion Jamie Whincup.
Not that Whincup needed a wake-up call as he contemplated launching his quest for an unprecedented sixth touring car title at this weekend’s season-opener in Adelaide.
Whincup did not try to play down the significance of HRT’s stunning recruitment of the mastermind behind his all conquering Red Bull Racing Holden outfit, former team manager Adrian Burgess.
HRT’s remarkable coup ensured a big shake-up at Whincup’s Red Bull office this season, with the race engineer who helped him to all five previous crowns – Mark Dutton – replacing Burgess as team manager.
David Cauchi is Red Bull’s new engineer.
However, Whincup believes the real impact of mechanical mastermind Burgess’s unexpected switch would be felt at HRT – and as a result the entire championship.
HRT have had some lean times – driver Garth Tander’s 2013 Townsville race win in July ended a 21 month, 58-race drought for the factory-backed outfit.
Tander – a frustrated man since his 2007 V8 title – has already suggested he may walk away if Burgess does not transform them into a championship-winning force.
In another twist, Tander’s HRT co-driver James Courtney won the 2010 V8 championship with Burgess at the helm of his Ford team.
“Adrian is a very good operator, he will make them extra competitive,” Whincup said.
“They will be strong no doubt.
“But I think it will be the toughest year in the history of the sport.”
Last year there were an unprecedented 13 different race winners following the introduction of new threats Nissan and Mercedes.
Yet Whincup still triumphed.
The Holden gun joked he was now a victim of his own success.
“It doesn’t matter what you do, everyone is expecting more from you,” he laughed.
“I’ve just won five titles and it’s like ‘can you make it six?’
“We have done some great things and we should respect that.
“I understand momentum can turn quickly so we just have to keep our heads down and keep enjoying my racing.”
Qualifying will be held on Friday with two 125km races on Saturday – including a twilight event – and a 250km finale on Sunday.