Walksinshaw's swaps given thumbs up.

By Matthew Agius

The controversial switch of drivers between the Holden Racing Team and Toll HSV Dealer Team has been given the tick by V8 Supercar officials heading into the forthcoming Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000.

Infuriated team owners from both Ford and Holden were outraged by the switch by the two front running Holden teams, which are both operated by the Tom Walkinshaw Performance Group. Walkinshaw famously lost control of the HRT and the former Kmart Racing team (now Toll HSV Dealer Team)when his Tom Walkinshaw Racing empire collapsed at the end of 2002, however having returned to Australia running the pair of teams, the man once criticised for bringing the sport into a one-sided spectacle has again pulled the strings of the V8 Supercar regulations to his suiting by switching drivers between teams to maximise Holden's chances of winning the 2006 title.

The announcement by V8 Supercar officials that the loophole exploited by Walkinshaw to ensure that Toll HSV Dealer Team pair Rick Kelly and Garth Tander have an equal shot at the championship will continue into Bathurst - with Tander pairing Mark Skaife in the lead Holden Racing Team Commodore, whilst Todd Kelly joins his younger brother Rick in the lead HSVDT machine.

The second cars at both teams will remain the same too, with Tony D'Alberto and Anthony Tratt driving the #16 HSV entry, whilst Jim Richards and Ryan Briscoe will pilot the second Holden Racing Team car.

Despite being allowed to continue this year, the controlling series body has assured teams that the loophole allowing the switch will be closed for 2007.