TANDER REFLECTS ON HOLDEN’S LAST FACTORY WIN

Garth Tander reflects on Holden’s last factory win – Photo: InSyde Media

Red Bull Holden Racing Team co-driver Garth Tander has spoken about the special feeling within the squad after winning the great race with Holden in its final race as an official manufacturer.

By DAN McCARTHY

The four-time Bathurst 1000 winner won the race with Walkinshaw when it was the factory Holden Team and has now done the same with Triple Eight.

It’s very, very special for the entire team, the official factory Holden Team has so much history here at Bathurst and to secure a victory in its final ever representation is very, very special for the entire team,” Tander said.

The 2007 Supercars champion explained that he and main driver Shane van Gisbergen came into the event with extra motivation knowing the history the brand has had at Bathurst.

“It certainly was a bit of motivation coming into this one, we all knew after February’s announcement that Holden was no more after this year,” he continued.

“Holden and Bathurst have been so synonymous for so long and it is a very, very special honour to now have three of my four wins with the factory Holden Team.”

Since making his debut in 1998 Garth Tander has only driven Holdens but said that it is not about him, the Bathurst 1000 win was all about the brand.

“I have been fortunate to have a very strong relationship with Holden since 1998 and it’s been a real honour to drive their race cars for various teams,” he said.

“Obviously being part of the factory Holden team originally at Walkinshaw and now at Triple Eight it’s very, very special Bathurst means a lot to the Holden people.

“One of the most fondest memories I’ve ever had from my career is when we took the trophy into the head office with Nick (Percat) in 2011 at Fisherman’s Bend, just seeing how excited everyone was that we had Bathurst success.”

The West Australian feels privileged that he has been able to represent the brand and take its last win as a manufacturer.

“I feel incredibly honoured it’s a sad end to a fantastic brand, I’m glad we are able to give it a shed of light in these final moments given there is only a couple of months left, I really feel honoured to be part of it,” he concluded.

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