Garth Tander entered the new millennium as one of Supercars’ brightest prospects, and 25 years later, the West Australian has firmly entrenched himself as one of the sport’s all-time greats.
Tander came close to an unexpected championship victory at the turn of the century, nearly toppling the combined might of the Holden Racing Team (HRT) and Mark Skaife. However, it was his move to Tom Walkinshaw’s operation that propelled him to the next level.
In 2005, Tander joined the HSV Dealer Team, and by 2007, he was crowned Supercars champion. He later moved between various TWR teams before securing a spot at HRT in 2008, where he effectively succeeded Mark Skaife as team leader.
Even as Triple Eight’s dominance rose, particularly after HRT lost its factory support in 2016, Tander remained a consistent contender in the #2 Commodore. His status as a frontrunner was cemented during his years with HRT, despite the shift in factory funding to Triple Eight.
Following a brief return to Garry Rogers Motorsport (GRM), Tander’s legacy continued to grow, notably in his co-driver role. He captured two additional Bathurst wins alongside Shane van Gisbergen at Triple Eight, before joining the emerging Grove Racing team.
While Tander’s 55 wins in the 21st century could fill pages of accolades, two stand out above the rest. His 2016 Sandown 500 victory and 2007 championship win were remarkable, but it is his 2011 Bathurst win that most exemplifies his career achievements.
In one of the closest finishes in Bathurst history, Tander fought tooth and nail to hold off a charging Craig Lowndes in an ill-handling HRT Commodore. Despite Lowndes’ relentless pursuit and a near-mistake at The Chase, Tander managed to defend his position, securing the win in dramatic fashion. This victory also marked a fairytale debut win for Nick Percat, further cementing Tander’s legendary status.
Why We Picked Him
Even in his co-driving role at Grove Racing, Tander remains one of the Supercars Championship’s fastest and most tenacious competitors.
His 2007 championship victory, which included 15 race wins (five of which were consecutive), is undeniable proof of his exceptional talent. However, it is at Bathurst where Tander has truly solidified his legacy. With five Bathurst wins since 2000, alongside three podium finishes, Tander’s history at the Great Race is unmatched.
Tander’s first Bathurst victory in 2000 with Garry Rogers Motorsport, alongside Jason Bargwanna, came under challenging conditions and in a critical must-win scenario. However, it was his victories with both HRT and Triple Eight that truly established his place in Supercars history. These wins highlighted his growth as a driver and his ability to perform under immense pressure.
Garth Tander’s career is a testament to his consistency, skill, and relentless drive, making him one of the most accomplished drivers in Supercars history.
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