Despite a nightmare 2018, the 35-year-old has secured a 14th Supercars season drive by replacing former series champion Winterbottom who took Holdsworth's Holden seat at Charlie Schwerkolt's Team 18 outfit.

Holdsworth finished the season 21st overall and was told before November's final round in Newcastle that his four-year tenure in Schwerkolt's garage was over.

But he earned the prestigious Tickford Racing gig with an impressive season finish on Newcastle's tough street circuit, qualifying fifth in both races and securing a season best result of ninth.

Holdsworth looked forward to now revitalising Tickford Racing after an underwhelming campaign in which former Bathurst champion Winterbottom finished 12th in the 2018 standings.

"I'm pumped to be teaming up with Tickford Racing," said Holdsworth, who has 417 career Supercars starts.

"Even though they feel they had a tough year, I believe Tickford Racing is still one of the best teams in the paddock.

"I'm feeling fit and driving as well as ever, so I'm ready to show what I've got.

"I look forward to rewarding them with a great 2019 season."

Holdsworth joins Ford stars Chaz Mostert and Cameron Waters in the Tickford Racing garage which will swap Falcons for Mustangs in 2019.

It was a case of third time lucky for Holdsworth who twice almost joined the Ford outfit - in 2011 and 2014.

"We're very pleased that Lee will be driving the new Ford Mustang - he's the right man for the job," Tickford boss Tim Edwards said.

"He's got something to prove in 2019, as do we. We like that he's bullish about the coming year and we're excited to get him on track."

Holdsworth's career boasts four poles and three race wins.

Australian Associated Press