Lucas Dumbrell Motorsport (LDM) claim V8 Supercars have launched legal proceedings against them as the Russell Ingall-led Holden team battles to reclaim a second spot on the 2015 grid.

LDM went from a two-car team to a single vehicle set-up this season, surrendering their second entry or Racing Entitlement Contract (REC) to V8 Supercars.

The V8 Supercars management announced in June they would find buyers for a total of three RECs – which guarantee a team a grid start – including LDM’s former drive by putting them out to tender.

LDM had reportedly threatened to legally challenge the tender process as it tried to return to a two-car set-up for 2015 after tasting success under 2005 V8 champion Ingall this season with six top-10 results.

The tender process for the three available RECs concluded on August 1 but the V8 Supercars are yet to confirm the outcome.

Technically LDM could buy back their REC but V8 Supercars had in the past made it clear they would not be able to “re-activate” it without going through the tender.

It remains to be seen when an announcement will be made on the RECs after LDM released a statement claiming the V8 Supercars had launched legal action.

“Lucas Dumbrell Motorsport wishes to advise that V8 Supercars Australia has formally issued legal proceedings against LDM relating to V8 Supercars’ purported sale of its second Racing Entitlements Contract,” LDM’s statement said.

“The purported sale greatly inhibits the team’s planning and ability to field a two-car team for the 2015 V8 Supercar Championship, and LDM intends to vigorously defend the proceedings.

“We have some great momentum at LDM right now… a two-car team in 2015 is definitely our intention.”