Whincup sticks with team until 2015

V8 Supercar champion Jamie Whincup has pledged his long-term future to Team Vodafone and Holden, agreeing to a new three-year deal. Whincup will remain with the team he's won three championships with until the end of 2015. His contract also locks in the key pieces of Holden's V8 Supercar campaign going into a new era next year when additional manufacturers will be allowed into the series to join Holden and Ford. Already Holden has pledged medium-term financial support to Team Vodafone and Holden Racing Team. Team Vodafone has signed Whincup's teammate Craig Lowndes for the next three years, while HRT has Garth Tander and James Courtney under contract. Whincup had been linked to a possible move to NASCAR. "It feels great knowing that I am settled long-term, in an environment that I am happy with, and that has the enthusiasm to continue to set the benchmark," said Whincup on Wednesday. "My whole focus is on this year's V8 Supercar championship, however I look forward to working with the crew and being a part of the development process of Car of the Future." Whincup currently sits second in the championship after the opening races of the series in Adelaide earlier this month. He will compete in the V8 Supercar non-championship round as part of the Australian Formula One Grand Prix, starting on Thursday.