By Matthew Agius
Russell Ingall has officially ditched his Ford past in favour of new opportunities with Holden team Paul Morris Motorsports, and tested with the Queensland-based operation for the first time today.
The man who won his first and only V8 Supercar title with Stone Brothers Racing in 2005, will drive for Holden next year in a PMM prepared Holden Commodore.
Ingall drove Holden Commodores at Castrol Perkins Racing from 1995-2002, winning two Bathurst titles, and returns to the General after a five year stint at Ford.
The deal that sees Ingall join Paul Morris Motorsports from next year, also sees Supercheap Auto join the team as a major sponsor – after the closure of the company's formerly sponsored team, Paul Weel Racing.
“I started my V8 career with Holden and spent seven years driving Commodores, so I'm rapt to be back with the new Supercheap Auto Racing team – the change has definitely reignited the fire,” said Ingall.
“The Commodore is a little different to what I've been used to for the past five years, but while I won a championship driving a Falcon it required a unique technique, whereas I seem to find the Holden suits my natural driving style better.
“The VE Commodore's first year results show it's a great package and I'm excited about racing it next year.
Despite finishing eleventh in the 2007 championship, Ingall is keen to deliver for his new team.
“Our ultimate challenge is to win the V8 championship for Supercheap Auto and Holden.”
Team Owner Paul Morris was enthusiastic about securing the services of Ingall, and the sponsorship of Supercheap Auto.
“For the past six-seven years we have been building our team to the point where we could sign a driver of Russell's calibre and we've now reached that point,” said Morris.
“Securing him would not have been possible without a corporate partner and Supercheap Auto has been integral in making it all happen.”
“Russell is a V8 Supercar Champion and dual Bathurst winner and we're all looking forward to working with him.”
Paul Morris Motorsport's is expected to run cars with both Sirromet and Supercheap Auto signage.
![Russell Ingall - Supercheap Auto Racing [pic: BAM Media]](http://pix.crash.net/thumbs/401344.jpg)
