Tander leaves Triple Eight
By Thomas Miles
Date posted: 9 December 2022
Garth Tander will not chase a sixth Bathurst 1000 win with Triple Eight Race Engineering after the team announced the pair will split in a post-season shock.
The relationship between Tander and Red Bull Ampol Racing appeared as strong as ever just two months ago when he and Shane van Gisbergen secured their second Great Race win in crushing fashion.
Triple Eight Race Engineering managing director Jamie Whincup released a statement and confirmed it was the veteran’s call.
The Shane van Gisbergen and Garth Tander partnership started in 2019 at Bathurst. Photo by Dirk Klynsmith / LAT Images
Whincup paid tribute to the Tander’s time at the team, which started in 2019 when his full-time career was suddenly cut short by Garry Rogers Motorsport and has netted two memorable Bathurst 1000 wins. He also revealed the search for the most coveted co-drive in the Supercars world will expand beyond Australia.
“GT has been a well-respected member of the Triple Eight team for the past four years, and we must acknowledge his remarkable contribution to the team which includes two Bathurst 1000 wins,” he said.
“Although we’re disappointed that he has decided not to renew his contract for next year, we must respect his decision.
Shane van Gisbergen holds off Cameron Waters to win the 2020 Bathurst 1000. Photo by Dirk Klynsmith / LAT Images
“The search for his replacement is in full swing and I’m looking forward to speaking with drivers both domestic and abroad to find the best fit to co-pilot #97 alongside SVG for next year’s Sandown 500 and Bathurst 1000.”
The news will come to a shock for many with Tander’s express pace being a crucial factor behind the 2022 Bathurst 1000 glory and he said everything was set for another Great Race assault.
When Tander spoke with AUTO ACTION just prior to the Gold Coast 500 it appeared a Bathurst 1000 defence alongside van Gisbergen was likely.
“There is an option to go again next year. Its quite likely, but it is not a done deal,” he said.
“Will I be back? Yes.
“Will I be going for the win? Yes.”
But things have clearly changed with Tander and Triple Eight parting ways.
With a driver with the 2000, 2009, 2011, 2020 and 2022 Bathurst 1000 wins on their resume and the fastest seat on the grid alongside van Gisbergen now both up for grabs, the co-driver market is set to go into overdrive as the Supercars world comes to terms with the bombshell.
For more of the latest motorsport news pick up the latest issue of AUTO ACTION.
AUTO ACTION, Australia’s independent voice of motorsport.
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