Holden legend Mark Skaife is weighing up his future as speculation grows that the five time Bathurst winner is set to announce his retirement from V8 Supercar racing.

Despite denials from current Dick Johnson Racing driver Will Davison that he is to join Garth Tander at the Holden Racing Team in 2009, insiders in the world of V8 Supercars are saying that the deal is done and Holden are waiting on Skaife’s decision before any public announcement is made.

2008 has been a tough one for Skaife who currently sits in 12th place in the championship coming into this weekend’s round on Queensland’s Gold Coast.

Skaife has been under considerable pressure from the media and fans for most of the year and after a disappointing Bathurst where he crashed the car at Forest Elbow the dogs have been barking that his illustrious career is over.

Speaking to the Australian Associated Press (AAP) an unnamed spokesperson for the Holden Racing Team admitted that retirement was one of the options Skaife has been looking at since Bathurst.

“At this stage, he’s not decided. He is considering what to do, no doubt about it. A decision is expected within the next two weeks.”

Media reports have suggested that Skaife has been offered a drive in a one car Holden entry for next year promoting the companies “Green” credentials.

One man not talking is Skaife himself, always fairly reluctant to talk with the media Skaife’s moodiness and often cold public demeanour has not endeared him all that much to some in the cliquey, matey world of the V8 Supercar travelling circus.

Yet among those who work with him his determination and professionalism are greatly admired and there are many who believe that once he does hang up his helmet that he will move into motor racing or general motoring administration and management.

Whether Skaife does retire or not the public should not forget his impressive record both in the championship as well as on the Mountain. He was also a fine open wheel driver including very brief late season F3000 career in 1992 where he was team mate to Alan McNish. He won three Australian Drivers Championships for the CAMS Gold Star in Formula Holden as well as racing at the Le Mans 24 hours in 1997 driving a Lister Storm.

And most importantly, he got his start in the sport by racing a Ford Laser, and to progress from that is a pretty good indication of talent in my book.