Winning more than forty percent of the races held in 2007, four round wins, and four pole positions, Garth Tander was
the standout driver of the ‘07 championship.
In his third year at the Toll HSV Dealer Team, Tander benefited from the highest quality technology from Walkinshaw Performance, an excellent relationship with his engineer, team manager, crew, and blessed with natural talent to ensure the best possible chance at clinching a championship.
Having lost the 2000 championship to Mark Skaife, Tander narrowly won his first title at Phillip Island by two points over former team mate, Jamie Whincup.
Tander's level head, focus, and determination all worked to secure him the coveted driver's championship, and he heads into 2008, albeit at a new home (the Holden Racing Team), likely to defend his crown.
Garth Tander 2007 report card: A+
Holden Racing Team
Team's Championship: 3rd (+4)
Victories: Clipsal 500 Adelaide; Eastern Creek.
Car #2 – VE Commodore – Mark Skaife (NSW)
Championship position: 8th (+8)
Round wins: 1
Race wins: 5
Podiums: 2
Top three race finishes: 5
Pole positions: 0
Winning a record thirty-eighth round was the highlight of Mark Skaife's 2007 campaign, but otherwise, it was another disappointing year for the five-time series champion and Bathurst king.
Skaife suffered from poor car reliability and a general lack of speed. Despite this, there were glimpses of brilliance from the HRT leader, with five race wins improving on his 2006 record. Conversely, silly mistakes also cost him better results, especially in wet races such as Winton, Oran Park and Bathurst.
His roller coaster year was exemplified by his contraction of appendicitis before the Sandown 500, resulting in him missing a key chance for a good points haul, and denting his championship position.
2008 shows promise for Skaife and the Holden Racing Team, but he will need to stand up and return to the winners' circle on a consistent basis, else risk the threat of being overshadowed by his new team mate, reigning champion Garth Tander.
