What lured Tander to Penrite Racing

Mentoring rising star Matt Payne, Gen3 and being part of “something big” were key lures for Penrite Racing recruit Garth Tander.

Penrite Racing announced Tander on a multi-year deal as a co-driver from 2023.

Tander leaves Red Bull Ampol Racing, having won Bathurst in 2020 and 2022 with the team.

The 2007 series champion will add significant experience to the team across a number of levels.

Firstly, he will be a key mentor for rookie Payne, who replaces the retired Lee Holdsworth.

The team will commence the Gen3 era with two brand new Ford Mustangs.

Tander won Bathurst twice with Triple Eight

Gen3 represents a shift back to the low downforce cars Tander first raced in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

The move also reunites Tander with former Bathurst-winning engineers Grant McPherson and Alistair McVean.

Additionally, Tander’s son Sebastian — a talented karter in his own right — will join the Grove Junior Team.

Critcally, Penrite Racing is on the up — David Reynolds scored two poles and seven podiums in 2022.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to work in some great race teams in Supercars,” Tander said.

"What I have seen Stephen and Brenton Grove achieve in a very short time frame is seriously impressive.

“When they asked me to be part of what they are building for the future, not only as a driver, but also to help mentor Matt Payne, who has already proven to be an immense talent and also help guide the Grove Junior Team, it was something that grabbed my attention.

'His knowledge and experience will be invaluable'

“I have worked closely with many within the team in the past, having worked with Alistair McVean, David Cauchi and Grant McPherson already, as well as a team mate to Dave Reynolds way back when he was a little tacker.

"Something big is being built here and I am honoured to be part of it.

“With the imminent arrival of Gen3 coming in 2023, I am excited to get started and help the team wherever I can.”

Tander will race a Ford for the very first time in Supercars at the September 15-17 Penrite Oil Sandown 500.

He will then make his first Blue Oval Bathurst start on October 5-8.

Payne impressed in his first full Super2 season this year, finishing third overall and taking Rookie of the Year honours.

Given Supercars is a major step up, team owner Stephen Grove wanted an experienced head in the team — and they found one in the guise of 642-start veteran Tander.

"We identified the need for an experienced driver to work hand in hand with Matt in his first year,” Grove said.

"Garth was the obvious choice given his proven race winning pedigree and experience in developing race winning cars and teams.”

“On top of that, we understood the need to bring a calculated driver into the fold to assist with the development of Gen3 in the early stages of the season, as well as the opportunity to take the best possible driving line up into Bathurst.”

Team Principal Cauchi added: "To have an individual of his calibre elect to partner with us is a testament to the work the team have done over the past year and exemplifies the progress we have made.

"Garth’s a terrific guy who I have had the pleasure of working with previously and his knowledge and experience will be invaluable to the team."

The 2023 Repco Supercars Championship will commence in Newcastle next March.

Tickets are on sale on Supercars.com and Ticketek.com.