By Matthew Agius
Just two drivers have the opportunity to claim the 2007 V8 Supercar Championship Series title after Garth Tander took out race two at Phillip Island today, and opened up a significant seven point lead over his only rival, Jamie Whincup.
Tander claimed the lead of the race after a solid pit stop on lap nine allowed him to exit the lane ahead of Todd Kelly and Whincup.
He held off a strong challenge from Kelly in the #22 Holden Racing Team Commodore, with Whincup again finishing third this weekend.
Ford Performance Racing's Mark Winterbottom claimed fourth after a strong showing and excellent car speed from his Orrcon/Ford Credit Falcon saw him set the fastest lap for the race.
In his two-hundredth start in Australian Touring Car racing, Mark Skaife finished fifth for the Holden Racing Team, after leading the early stages of the race.
The five time champion battled former teammate Craig Lowndes for most of the race, with the latter claiming a sixth place that also resulted in him slipping from championship contention.
James Courtney was seventh for Jeld-Wen Motorsport, after defending his position from a consistently quicker Rick Kelly.
Will Davison and Lee Holdsworth rounded out the top ten.
The final race of the season will decide the championship, with Tander needing only to finish ahead of Jamie Whincup to claim the title.
For Whincup to win the 2007 trophy, he must ensure that he finishes eight points ahead of the current championship leader.
The final race will be held at Phillip Island this afternoon.
