Tom Walkinshaw Passes Away
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Tom Walkinshaw
Holden Commodore SS Group A (VL series),
affectionately known as "the Walkinshaw".
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13th December, 2010
It is with great sadness that the Holden Special
Vehicles (HSV) business learnt of the overnight passing of Tom Walkinshaw.
Tom, 64, had been suffering cancer.
He is survived by his wife Martine and their two sons Ryan and Sean.
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 E Series 3 range.
Tom Walkinshaw 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, Jeffrey 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 g
reat friend and colleague but I am determined that his life’s work will live on in HSV.”
Tom Walkinshaw first established the Holden Racing Team 20 years ago and under his direction,
Walkinshaw Racing has achieved an unsurpassed level of success.
Walkinshaw Racing CEO, Craig Wilson, expressed his deepest sympathy on behalf of the whole
team of which Tom will be sadly missed.
“As we all know, Tom was very passionate about motor racing and he achieved much success
as a driver and team owner in his lifetime,” said Craig Wilson.
“Those who know Tom know a tremendous competitor. But having worked for him for over 20
years I also know him as someone with amazing entrepreneurial sprit and someone with real
insight into this business.”
“He will be sadly missed, but we owe it to him to continue the success we have enjoyed
under his watchful eye,” he said.
Holden Chairman and Managing Director Mike Devereux also paid tribute to Walkinshaw’s
legacy.
"On behalf of the men and women at Holden, I'd like to extend our deepest sympathies to
Tom's family, friends and co-workers across the world," Mr Devereux said.
"For more than 20 years Tom's pursuit of excellence helped forge our brand's reputation
as a performance leader both on and off the track through the creation of Holden Special
Vehicles and the Holden Racing Team. His contribution not only to Holden, but the automotive
industry is legendary and will never be forgotten."
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