Whincup confirmed at Triple Eight.

Jamie Whincup has been confirmed as jumping ships from Holden to Ford as he leaves Tasman Motorsport at the end of this season to join Triple Eight in a Team Betta Electrical Falcon alongside Craig Lowndes.

Whincup replaces Steve Ellery at the squad in a three
Whincup has signed a contract for three years which will allow him to develop to his full potential with the team.

"We are very pleased to secure Jamie," team principle Roland Dane said on the announcement. "He has shown himself to be a true racer with consistency that belies his years.

"We feel he will compliment Craig and possibly become a prot?g?, following in his footsteps, perhaps I can be so bold to say he could become the new 'Kid'.

"Our aim over the next few years is to remain truly competitive in the hunt for the championship and to have both cars consistently performing in the top ten.

"Jamie joining the team should ensure we achieve these team objectives," Dane said.

Currently Victorian based, Whincup said he will relocate to Brisbane early in 2006 in preparation for his inaugural year with the team.

I am absolutely rapt," Whincup said. "This is a very exciting opportunity for me and the next big step in my racing career.

"It is also great to know where my future lies, and to be working with Craig and such a high profile team gives me great satisfaction and pride.

"Now that things are secure I will put plans into place to move to Brisbane and be as close to the team as possible as it is a huge opportunity for me and I need to make the most of it," he concluded.

Craig Lowndes is also very supportive of the signing.

Jamie has really impressed me with his consistency especially during the endurance races and I am more than happy to pass on the title of 'the Kid' to my new team mate," Lowndes said.