Red Bull Racing, Shane van Gisbergen, Garth Tander, Bathurst champions, co-driver, championship winner, shock split

Sportem
Sportem
3 Min Read

The Supercars series has been rocked by the shock split between Red Bull Racing and one of their top drivers.

Just two months after winning his second Bathurst 1000 crown in three years, Triple Eight’s Garth Tander has announced he won’t be returning as co-driver for championship winner Shane van Gisbergen.

And remarkably, he’s revealed a shock switch to Ford where he’ll drive for Penrite Racing in 2023 – despite racing a Commodore in all 642 of his Supercars race starts.

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Tander, who finished his full-time racing career at the end of 2018, has been with Triple Eight since, partnering with van Gisbergen as one of the most successful race duos in recent history.

On top of the recent Bathurst 1000 victories, the drivers also finished runners up in 2019.

“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,” Triple Eight racing boss Jamie Whincup said.

“Although we’re disappointed that he has decided not to renew his contract for next year, we must respect his decision.

“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 WA born Tander is one of the most successful drivers in Supercars, starting with Garry Rogers Motorsport back in 1998.

Holden set to for last race in Supercars | 01:42

But it was his time at HSV Dealer and later Holden Racing Team that really elevated his standing in the sport, winning the championship in 2007.

His decision to sign with Penrite is a massive boost for star David Reynolds, after Lee Holdsworth retired from the team as a full-time driver.

Tander will reunite with former Triple Eight engineers David Cauchi and Grant McPherson at Penrite in 2023.

SVG claims second Bathurst in wild race | 04:06

Tander’s call to walk away from Triple Eight has now opened up one of the hottest seats in the Supercars series – partnering van Gisbergen for the enduros.

Van Gisbergen has been the sport’s top driver, with back-to-back championships and no season finish outside the top four since 2013.

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