Penrite Racing's Lee Holdsworth will become the 11th driver in Supercars history to reach 500 career races when he takes to the track at Sandown this weekend.
Holdsworth has won four race races among 19 podium finishes across his 21-year career with none better than a win at the 2021 Bathurst 1000 alongside Chaz Mostert.
The 39-year-old was surprised in the lead-up to the Sandown Supersprint when his team wheeled the first Supercar he drove on debut in 2004.
Holdsworth says he was flabbergasted when he saw the old Smiths Trucks car in pitlane.
"To see it here ... this was where I'd debuted in main series in 2004," he said.
"That's really special to have my first car here and then my 500th car right next to it. So, hopefully it's a good round for us.
Reflecting on his career, Holdsworth said last year's Bathurst win is far and away his greatest achievement and he's still sizing up whether to take part in next year's championship.
"I only want to be in this sport If I'm competitive and I've got the motivation and the drive to run up the front," he said.
"I don't want to just be a number and I think I've still got that ability. I feel like I'm racing better than ever, I feel as fit as ever.
"We'll see what what next year brings."
Holdsworth sits 13th on the Supercars ladder heading into the second last event before seeking to defend his Bathurst title in October.
The Sandown Supersprint on Saturday and Sunday sees series leader Shane van Gisbergen enter the weekend with a 393 point lead over Cameron Waters ahead of races 24, 25 and 26 of the season.
Reigning Supercars champion van Gisbergen has won the past five races to take a commanding lead on the ladder, before the series returns to his homeland for the Auckland ITM Supersprint then to Bathurst for Australia's great race.
Australian Associated Press
