Fresh from his recent triumph at the Bathurst 1000, reigning champion Garth Tander is set to revive his partnership with Melbourne Performance Centre Audi squad in the GT racing realm. Tander’s return marks his first GT appearance of the season, adding an exciting twist to the racing narrative.
Tander’s upcoming appearance will see him team up with series leader Liam Talbot at the Queensland Raceway event. The veteran driver steps in as a substitute for Fraser Ross, Talbot’s regular co-driver, who will be unavailable for the race.
Commenting on his return, Tander shared, “I’ve had a long relationship with Melbourne Performance Centre, and earlier this year they asked if there was an opening, would I be keen to drive – and of course, I said yes.” He continued, “My role is not about me doing laps, it’s about solidifying Liam’s position in the title. I’ve always gone into these races with the approach of supporting the AM driver the best I can and that’s the approach I will take with Liam this weekend.”
Tander’s reappearance in the GT racing scene precedes his anticipated cameo in the Carrera Cup at The Bend Motorsport Park later in the month. The versatile driver’s foray into different categories exemplifies his skill and adaptability on the track.
Adding to the roster of notable comebacks is Broc Feeney, a Triple Eight driver. Feeney is set to replace Richie Stanaway in the Mercedes lineup, partnering with Prince Jefri Ibrahim. Meanwhile, Jamie Whincup will continue his partnership alongside Prince Abu Ibrahim in the Mercedes lineup.
The upcoming race at Queensland Raceway also heralds the return of Nash Morris, who made a remarkable debut in the Michelin Sprint Challenge, securing a pair of wins at SMP. Additionally, Tim Slade will make a return, taking the reins of the Lynk & Co TCR car typically piloted by Tom Oliphant.
The return of these skilled drivers to the GT racing scene not only elevates the level of competition but also adds a layer of intrigue to the racing narrative, captivating motorsport enthusiasts and fans worldwide.
