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  Paul Dumbrell is being promoted to join the V8 Supercar championship's official Team Red.

A dream will come true today for Paul Dumbrell.

After 15 years in racing, the young Melbournian will be confirmed as a member of the factory Holden Racing Team. Dumbrell is being promoted from the Autobarn Commodore he races as part of the four-car Walkinshaw Performance super team in the V8 Supercar championship into one of the official Team Red cars for the endurance races at Phillip Island and Bathurst.

He is expected to be partnered with veteran Craig Baird, as championship regulars Garth Tander and Will Davison join forces to try and unseat the mightly Craig Lowndes-Jamie Whincup combination in the biggest races of the season.

Dumbrell's promotion will not be official until today but he confirmed yesterday that a deal was close. "I'm aware of the situation. Discussions are taking place," Dumbrell admitted. "I'm waiting to hear that it's all done and dusted. Then I can celebrate."

Dumbrell was one of the youngster drivers to crack the top ranks of Australian motorsport, winning the second-tier V8 Supercar championship in 2002 before graduating to the main game with Larry Perkins team.

His best series result so far is 12th in 2006 and he is currently 15th, although only 80 points behind Rick Kelly in eighth spot. Dumbrell has become a regular top-10 runner this year and has blossomed since he joined the Walkinshaw crew at the start of 2008. His objective is a top-10 series result this year, as well as the best result possible at Bathurst - where he was 10th last year.

He could not confirm his HRT deal yesterday but spoke openly about a personal dream. "To line up with one of their cars would be unbelievable. I've been working to achieve that for the past 15 years," Dumbrell said.

"It's been a dream to be in the Walkinshaw organisation. To help celebrate the 40th year of factory Holden teams at Bathurst would be very special."