By Matthew Agius
The Holden Racing Team has officially kicked off its 2008 V8 Supercar campaign with Garth Tander and Mark Skaife pulling the covers off the team's new look VE Commodores.
Rumours heading into the launch were that the new HRT car would be a revolutionary new look and the Clayton team delivered with a predominantly white design – an immense contrast to the traditional red utilised by the team for the past decade.
“I think it's the best look we'vehad for a long, long time in terms of the styling of the car,” said Mark Skaife, driver of the #2 Commodore.
2007 series champion and the HRT's latest recruit, Garth Tander, was thrilled with the opportunity to spearhead the Clayton team's 2008 campaign – with the number one on his window.
“Each of us individually have our own goals and ambitions, both sporting and professional, but I've said all along that I was given that opportunity then I'd like to grab it,” said Tander.
“It's just a fantastic opportunity that's been presented to me. There's obviously a lot of changes compared to what I've had over the past years but it's an exciting opportunity for me to be going to the factory team as reigning champion, it's a real opportunity for me to cement myself as one of Holden's ambassadors in V8 Supercar racing.”
Team mate Mark Skaife will complete his twelfth year at the Holden Racing Team in 2008. His aim is to develop a consistent year-long performance.
“There's certainly a lot of changes, isn't there? Some will take a little while to gel but I'm confident we'll be in there and at ‘em from the start. The thing for me is going to be to put the full year together,” said Skaife.
“From a personal perspective I feel like I'm driving as well as I've ever driven. When we've gone well, I feel like we're going a well as ever.
“I'm looking forward to the challenge and looking forward to starting the year strongly and being more consistent, that's my plan.”
![(L-R) Garth Tander and Mark Skaife - Holden Racing Team [pic: HSV Media]](http://pix.crash.net/thumbs/404644.jpg)
