Youlden to spearhead HPM Development squad.

Electrical icon HPM will back Automotion Motorsport's Fujitsu V8 Supercar Development Series team, guaranteeing the inclusion of arguably the best V8 Supercar driver without a regular drive in 2006, Luke Youlden.

The youngster, who is a regular addition to the V8 Supercar line-up for the enduros at Sandown and Bathurst, will spearhead a two-car HPM Racing team in 2007, with team owner Aaron McGill filling the second Ford Falcon.

"For the last two months, we have been working unbelievably hard and now we're really excited about having two HPM Racing Falcons on the grid for the first round in Adelaide, and to be bringing a brand new major sponsor into the V8 Supercar Development Series," McGill said, "With the structure of the team and the resources that HPM brings, our goals are simple. We approached Luke and John [Bowe] for the single reason of having a championship winning team."

V8 Supercar legend Bowe has lent his support to the team in a consultancy role, which McGill hopes will give HPM Racing an all-round package to take on the more established teams competing in the Development Series.

"I have known Aaron for a long time and, when he asked for some support in putting together a competitive package with a new major sponsor, I jumped at the chance," Bowe explained, "I'm also a big fan of Luke Youlden and have had a keen interest in his career over the years, so it's actually a privilege to be helping these two.

For Bathurst and Sandown podium finisher Youlden, the timing of the deal couldn't have been better.

"I'm looking forward to a V8 Supercar season where I know exactly what I am doing and with a competitive outfit," he admitted, "I'd like to thank Aaron and HPM for the chance to drive this year. Aaron's been around motorsport for a long time and has my utmost respect for what he has achieved. This year, I can settle down and concentrate on doing the job for HPM and Aaron in the Development Series and, with the package we have, I'm confident we will do well.

"It's also exciting to be part of team that has JB involved. I've been lucky enough to be surrounded by some great drivers in my career, but having access to JB is fantastic. I think it's a master stroke by Aaron to have him onboard, and I have no doubt it will pay off."