Sunday, 13 October 2013

Tander and Percat Home Fourth in Epic Bathurst Battle

The Holden Racing Team’s Garth Tander and Nick Percat have finished in fourth place at the conclusion of 161 gruelling laps around the famous Mount Panorama circuit for the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000.

After starting from 11th, Tander made a good start and gained valuable track position during the opening stint of the 1000km race.

When Percat took over on lap 18, he also circulated with good speed and held the #2 HRT Commodore well within the top half of the field.

Across the middle part of race, consistent, patient driving from both drivers combined with great pit stops ensured that their HRT Commodore stayed in contention and within striking distance of the leaders.

Tander emerged after the shuffle of the last stop in fifth place. Determined to push forwards, the 2007 Champion was in trade-mark form; his lap times were quick and Tander set about chasing down Lowndes and Bright for a place on the podium.

An epic battle followed and after trading blows with both cars #8 and #888, Tander took the chequered flag in fourth and just short of a place on the podium.

On the other side of the garage, teammates James Courtney and Greg Murphy endured a tough day.

After qualifying on the third row of the grid, Murphy took the reins of the #22 HRT VF Commodore for the opening stint and found himself within the lead pack during the early stages of the race.

Car #22 pitted at the first scheduled stop on lap 15 and Courtney took over. Circulating competitively, the 2010 Champion found himself well in the mix as the team’s strategy began to play out.

As the race progressed, Courtney pushed through to lap 57 and then handed control back to Murphy for his last stint. On lap 86 Murphy made heavy contact with the outside wall at Reid Park. Thankfully, Murphy avoided injury and was able to walk away from the incident but the damage to the car was significant and their race was over.

The Holden Racing Team will now head back to their Clayton based workshop where they will commence preparations for the Armor All Gold Coast 600 from 25-27 October.

Garth Tander, #2 Holden Racing Team Holden VF Commodore:

“We had a great race today and a really good battle in the closing stages of the race.

“Compared with where our car was at the start of the week, it really came alive in that last section of the race.

“The boys did a great job and unfortunately we came up just short – bring on the Gold Coast!”

Nick Percat, #2 Holden Racing Team Holden VF Commodore:

“Today’s result was fantastic. I made sure that I circulated without getting into trouble so that we stayed in contention.

“I’m glad that GT brought it home in such great style and all the guys did an awesome job with the strategy.

“It’s a short turn-around to the next one so we’ll head home tomorrow and get ourselves ready for the GC 600.”