HRT and Toll switch drivers for enduros.

By Matthew Agius

The two V8 Supercar teams operated by the Tom Walkinshaw Performance Group - the Holden Racing Team and the Toll HSV Dealer Team - have announced today that Todd Kelly and Garth Tander will switch places for the 2006 long-distance races at Sandown and Bathurst.

In a surprise move - but, at the same time, one that had been rumoured for some time in V8 circles - Tander will join Mark Skaife in the #2 Holden Racing Team VZ Commodore at the Betta Electrical 500 and Supercheap Auto 1000, whilst Kelly will be paired with brother Rick in the #15 Toll HSV car.

The move appears to have been composed in order to deliver a double chance to the two Toll HSV Dealer Team regulars Rick Kelly and Tander as they sit second and third in the championship table respectively. Despite not being in the 'spirit of the game', the move is an intelligent one, which Holden fans would hope to have pay off, as 'the General' aims to not only extend its Bathurst winning streak to seven, but also win the V8 Supercar title - a feat not accomplished since 2002.

"Being paired for the enduros is something that Rick and I have talked about forever and we're thrilled it has finally found a way to happen," said Todd Kelly.

"We have an enormous amount of respect for each other's driving ability and total faith in each other not to make silly mistakes. To win Bathurst back-to-back was incredible, but it would be even more special to win with my brother," added Rick.

Holden Motorsport's Simon McNamara insisted that the move is the best way for the 'red side' to secure its interests for the 2006 - being Bathurst and the championship - and expects a solid result from both cars.

"We have two ambitions in mind at Holden this year, firstly to win the championship and secondly to win Bathurst," said McNamara.

"This plan not only gives us an each-way bet on the championship, it gives strong pairings with legitimate claims of winning Sandown and Bathurst."

Championship contender Tander had no qualms with jumping sides for the next two rounds, and was thrilled to be driving with a five-time champion in Skaife.

"Mark, Rick and Todd are all top drivers, and it wouldn't really matter which way we mix it, they are all Bathurst winners and all more than capable of doing the job," said Tander.

"Mark knows exactly what to do out there - last year at Bathurst, he and Todd drove the perfect race, consistent without taking any risks. That's exactly what we need."

The two secondary-cars for each team will remain the same, with Jim Richards and Ryan Briscoe driving the #22 HRT Commodore, whilst former Toll Racing stalwart Anthony Tratt will be joined by Holden Young Lion Tony d'Alberto in the HSVDT #16 entry.