A WORLD-RECORD attempt will help celebrate the legacy of the Holden brand in Australia at the 2020 OTR The Bend 500 this September.

Holden owners have already commenced registering their interest to participate in a unique Holden Tribute Cruise from Adelaide to The Bend on the Saturday of the (September 18-20) event, to culminate in an enormous show-and-shine at the circuit.

The aim is to celebrate the remarkable history of the brand by putting together the largest convoy of Holdens ever staged while celebrating the Holden brand and its contribution to Australian and South Australian culture. Ford fans are also being encouraged to pay their respects to the icon with organisers planning a Ford guard of honour as part of the record attempt.

Launched on The Bend’s social media channels earlier this week, early response has been impressive with more than 300 cars and 500 drivers / passengers already nominated in less than four days.

1200 vehicles took part in the ‘Holden dream cruise’ in 2017, when the brand closed manufacturing at its Elizabeth plant.

The Bend aims to eclipse this number, with owners of any road-registered Holden product encouraged to participate, while Ford fans will be invited to form a ‘guard of honour’ to their red rivals in a show of support.  

A variety of packages will be available to those taking part, including ticket and access deals to OTR The Bend 500, the potential of parade laps on the circuit itself and prizes for participation and the show-and-shine components of the display.

“Holden rightfully occupies a very special place in South Australia’s heritage; we want to celebrate the brand’s significant history in the State by bringing owners together at OTR The Bend 500 this September,” said Managing Director of The Bend Sam Shahin.

“We are passionate about South Australian motoring and Australian motorsport.  We want to celebrate the end of an era by bringing passionate Holden owners together and quite literally fly the flag for Holden in the brand’s home state. I am confident that the wider Australian public, whether devout Holden fans or not, would want to be part of this tribute.

“Our early response has been amazing with more than 300 cars and 500 participants already registering their interest. We want this to be a massive celebration and if we can set a record on the way that will be an appropriate way to send Holden off with a bang.

 “We will have further announcements in coming weeks about how the event itself will shape up and come together to create a worthy tribute and fill The Bend with all things Holden this September.

“Even the most one-eyed Ford fans have felt the impact of the news. Like any sport rivalry there’s a healthy respect for the opposition, so we’re encouraging Ford fans to get involved and honour their ultimate competitor – the battle between these brands has delivered so many special motorsport moments over the years.”  

OTR The Bend 500 will be the opening round of the Pirtek Endurance Cup for the first time this year, and the 10^th event of the 2020 Virgin Australia Supercars championship.

A packed support program coupled with plenty of off-track entertainment and free paddock access will ensure the event is packed with action on and off the track, with grandstand seating, camping and corporate access also available.

For more information or to register your interest in the Holden Tribute Cruse, visit: http://bit.ly/HoldenTributeCruise

Ford owners can register their interest via this link: http://bit.ly/FordGuardofHonour