The decision to scrap the Holden brand has Supercars' star Scott McLaughlin nervous about the championship's future.
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General Motors decision to retire the Holden brand by 2021 threw the Supercars' paddock into chaos last week before the season-opening Adelaide 500.
There are 16 Commodores on the Supercars grid in 2020 and it is unclear whether teams will keep running that model next year or seek out other manufacturers.
McLaughlin, who has won the past two championships driving for Ford powerhouse DJR Team Penske, admits he has worries about what Holden's demise means.
"Very sad but also nervous for the sport I think. It's a big deal," McLaughlin said on his Balls and Bumpers podcast with AFL star Jack Riewoldt.
"It's a 50-60 year rivalry, Holden vs Ford, that's been around since we were all kids.
"You either grow up red or blue and we're going to effectively lose that from next year.
"Holden's gone.
"It's not like they're just running around still Holdens, you can't really support it, it's just null and void.
"The sport have got to do big, big work and plan what they need to do."
During last week's event in Adelaide, Supercars chief executive Sean Seamer expressed his confidence the championship would come through Holden's exit.
Plans for Supercars' next generation of cars, labelled Gen 3, have been underway for some time with a view to them being on track in 2022.
McLaughlin, however, fears Holden's exit may have caught some on the hop.
"Should we have done this Gen 3 earlier maybe? I'm not sure," he said.
"It just feels like, as the Commodore was ceasing production, right-hand drive was ceasing production, the writing was on the wall in some ways ... were we not proactive enough?
"I'm not sure.
"It's a nervous time for the category and I just hope something gets sorted."
McLaughlin's own future in the championship is uncertain beyond 2020 with the 26-year-old impressing throughout the summer during a series of test drives with Penske's IndyCar team.
The New Zealander is set to compete at the Indianapolis Grand Prix in May and has made no secret of his desire to move to the United States if an opening becomes available.
Australian Associated Press
