VIDEO – Triple Eight: Project Sandman Tribute Edition

Red Bull Racing Australia today paid tribute to the great Australian icon, the Holden Sandman, with the launch of our world first, one-off, race spec Tribute Edition Sandman produced in-house by Triple Eight Race Engineering and launched ahead of this weekend’s GC600. In celebration of the Holden Sandman’s 40th anniversary, championship leader Jamie Whincup and team mate Craig Lowndes have unveiled the Triple Eight Project Sandman, complete with carbon fibre surf boards, against an iconic Gold Coast back drop, paying homage to the car’s history as Australia’s archetypal beach lifestyle vehicle. “The Holden Sandman was launched 40 years ago, the same year that I was born!” Lowndesy said. “It sounds like a race car, it’s faster than our race cars in a straight line with the big banger engine and the cool thing is if you come to the race this weekend, you’ll see it running around the track.” The project came to life with the design and build starting in April of 2014 in conjunction with the GM Holden Design Department and will serve as a Red Bull Racing Australia ride car, so fans will have the opportunity to tear around the track in the 705BHP piece of engineering art. The Triple Eight Project Sandman features state-of-the-art technology yet to be seen in V8 Supercars, including a six speed electro-hydraulic paddle shift gearbox and F1-inspired fly by wire throttle control. “We’re here after six months of development to reveal our secret project and what an honour to be a part of a Tribute Edition Sandman and have it race around the track this weekend,” Whincup said. “The heart and soul of the car is a V8 Supercar and it’s an absolute rocket!” The Triple Eight: Project Sandman Tribute Edition will hit the streets of the Gold Coast each day of the GC600. Don’t miss your chance to witness Australian motorsport history in the flesh from the 24 – 26 October. Tickets at ticketek.com.au.