STANAWAY REPLACES TANDER AT GRM

Richie Stanaway joins GRM in 2019 – Photo: Supplied

In a shock move, former Tickford Racing driver Richie Stanaway will replace Garth Tander at Garry Rogers Motorsport for the upcoming 2019 Supercars season.

It comes after Stanaway experienced a disappointing debut year at Tickford Racing, which garnered just one top 10 result and 25th in the championship.

The Kiwi admitted his attitude got the better of him and is determined to make use of the second chance GRM have given him.

“I am excited and thankful to GRM and Boost Mobile for giving me a chance to race in one of the greatest championships in the world,” Stanaway said.

“My approach last year and my attitude which often stemmed from my own frustration was the wrong approach at times. I apologise to the people and fans that supported me and believed in me. GRM and Boost Mobile have given me a chance and I am committed to give it 100% and do what it takes as a team to win.”

Team owner Garry Rogers has revealed the rationale behind the decision that has left Tander without a drive for the 2019 Supercars season.

“On Garth’s return to GRM in 2017 he was guaranteed 2 years of full-time driving and a management role following that,” explained Rogers.

“There were many aspects to my decision including that Garth was nearing the end of his career and has expressed that 2019 could be his final full-time season as a driver.”

“I was very conscious of the fact that I would be both the one that started and ended Garth’s full-time Supercar career and this weighed heavily on me. In a perfect world I would absolutely have loved to give Garth the send-off that such a Champion deserves, but I never lost sight that Motorsport although centred around the driver is about the Team and not any one individual.”

Garth Tander will not have any involvement at GRM in 2019 – Photo: LAT

Tander thanked Rogers and the team, whilst confirming that he will not be involved in any capacity at GRM in 2019.

“I’m grateful for the start that Garry gave me in Supercars and understand his decision to end my full-time driving career. I’m now going to take a deep breath and consider my future that won’t be at GRM, I wish the team well for the future.“

Rogers reflected on Tander’s contribution to the team after starting his Supercars career with the team in 1998 and returning after a successful stint with the HSV Dealer Team and sister Holden Racing Team organisations in 2017.

“It obviously comes as a surprise to most that Garth will not be driving at GRM in 2019,” said Rogers.

“Garth has rewarded the GRM team some of the biggest moments in Motorsport including the 2000 Bathurst 1000 win alongside Jason Bargwanna, second in the Championship behind Mark Skaife in the same year and the success of the Monaro 427 in the Bathurst 24hr races of 2002 and more.”

For the 2019 season, GRM will become Boost Mobile Racing with company founder Peter Adderton excited to join the Victorian-based team for the season alongside Stanaway and James Golding.

“Boost Mobile has a long history in supporting motorsport both in Australia and in the United States,” said Adderton upon the announcement.

“We are excited about the opportunity to work with Garry Rogers, the entire GRM team and potential talent like Richie and James. We all saw what Richie was capable at Bathurst in 2017 and believe in the right team with the right management, support, and cars we will see him battle up the front.

“We don’t mind being the underdog and fighting our way forward, it makes for great entertainment.”

“I have a lot of faith in Bieber (James Golding) and although his inaugural year in Supercars was not spectacular, he certainly has the potential to be a successful driver, as does Richie.

“The future of the team is always what is at the foremost of our focus, and this chance to partner with a vibrant youth brand like Boost, who have shown their support of Supercars over the years, whilst developing up-and-coming stars.”

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