Grove Racing has officially announced the re-signing of veteran driver Garth Tander on a multi-year deal, securing his expertise for the foreseeable future.
Tander will not only continue as a co-driver in the Repco Supercars Championship but will also serve in a strategic advisory capacity aimed at nurturing the next generation of drivers at Grove Racing. Tander's impressive track record includes recently securing a fifth Bathurst 1000 victory—an accomplishment that underscores his value to the team.
"I’m excited to extend my relationship with Grove Racing into the future!" said Garth Tander, expressing enthusiasm about his ongoing commitment. "I had belief in where the team was headed, and nothing has changed there, hence it was an easy decision to continue with the team."
Since joining Grove Racing in December 2022, Tander has focused on delivering success during the Gen 3 era of Supercars, where he demonstrated remarkable consistency and skill as a co-driver. During his time with the team, Tander has provided crucial assistance to young talents like Matt Payne, 22, with whom he has shared the Number 19 Mustang in significant races like Sandown and Bathurst.
"With Matt Payne continuing to flourish and the addition of Kai Allen joining the team in 2025, I see this as an opportunity to share my experience and Supercars knowledge with them both," Tander articulated. His mentorship aims to cover all aspects of racing, ensuring the young drivers are not just prepared on the track but also equipped for the rigors of managing an entire race weekend.
As he steps into a guiding role, Tander is mindful of the challenges facing emerging drivers. He highlighted the importance of learning from past experiences. "It’s important to me to mentor young drivers in our sport, and obviously in our team. If I can help them try not to make the same mistakes I did... then I believe that will put them in good stead to achieve the levels of success that we know they are capable of," Tander stated.
His commitment to fostering talent extends beyond just driving. Tander remarked on the team’s potential for growth, saying, "The team is still a young team, there is a long way to go for this team to realise its potential... With such a young driver lineup next year, there are solid foundations to build upon. It is an exciting prospect to be part of."
Grove Racing's leadership is equally enthusiastic about Tander's continued presence. Troy Bundy, the CEO of Grove Racing, emphasized Tander's invaluable role within the organization. "Garth is an invaluable member of our leadership team, working closely with David Cauchi and Grant McPherson to achieve our strategic objectives," Bundy explained, noting Tander's impact on both the sporting and commercial fronts.
David Cauchi, Team Principal at Grove Racing, echoed this sentiment, stating, "Garth has played a key role in the growth of Grove Racing since joining us in 2023. He has been critical in supporting Matt through his first two years in the championship and will extend that support to Kai in 2025 and beyond."
Tander's re-signing marks a significant step for Grove Racing, encouraging the team to leverage his seasoned insights as they seek to convert race wins into championship contention in the coming seasons. With a youthful and ambitious driver lineup, the team appears poised for a bright future, underpinned by Tander’s expertise and mentorship.
As the Supercars championship continues to pose challenges, Grove Racing will rely heavily on Tander's leadership for both immediate objectives and long-term goals. His strategic insights will be critical as the team strives for sustained success in a highly competitive environment.
