Tander signs with the Holden Racing Team

By Matthew Agius

Garth Tander has officially been confirmed as Todd Kelly's replacement at the Holden Racing Team, with the newly crowned V8 Supercar Champion moving to Holden's flagship operation.

Tander, who drove for the past three years at the HRT's sister operation, the Toll HSV Dealer Team, was announced as the new front man for 'Team Red'.

In addition, his Toll HSV Dealer Team engineer, Matthew Nilsson, and team manager, Rob Crawford, will move with the 2007 Drivers' Champion to his new home.

"Having driven with HRT at Sandown and Bathurst last year I know how professional an outfit they are. Hopefully Mark and I can push each other to greater heights next year," said Tander.

"It will also be great to have Rob Crawford as Team Manager and Mathew Nilsson as My car engineer, given the success we have had.

"I'll certainly miss the guys who helped me win the championship at the Dealer Team and of course, Rick Kelly, who has been so consistently strong on the track over the last two years."

He will partner five time champion and Bathurst winner, Mark Skaife, who recently completed his two-hundredth start in Australian Touring Car racing.

"He (Tander) is a great driver and showed what he is capable of achieving on the track this year," said Skaife.

"I personally can't wait to get back on the track early next year knowing the Holden Racing Team line-up on the track and off it is going to be stronger than ever."

Tander's move will see the number one competition plate at the Holden Racing Team in 2008, and not his former squad, which helped him secure his first title.

The number one plate is tagged to the championship winning driver for the next series, unless he elects not to use it.

It will be the first time since 2002 that two Holden Racing Team Commodores will use the #1 and #2 competition numbers.

The Walkinshaw Performance-run Holden Racing Team will kick off its 2008 V8 Supercar campaign at the Clipsal 500 Adelaide, from February 21-24.