Supercars legend Garth Tander has hung up his racing gloves, ending his storied career on a high.
The 48-year-old claimed his sixth Barthurst 1000 trophy earlier this year alongside Grove Racing’s Matt Payne in what turned out be his final race.
Tander announced his retirement during the Sandown 500 in Melbourne on Saturday after weeks of speculation he was planning to step back from co-driving to move into a full-time commentary role.
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Although thoughts of retirement were in his mind in the lead-up to Bathurst, Tander said it took him a week or two after the win to finally reach a decision.
“Even when I went to Bathurst this year, before the cars even ran, I basically went as if I was enjoying this as my last one,” Tander said.
“So it was a nice, fitting way to say ‘that’s it, done and dusted’.”
In a social media post later on Saturday, Tander added: “After 27-odd years behind the wheel, it’s time to hang up the Supercars helmet.
“What a ride it’s been — the wins, the heartbreaks, the journey, the incredible teams and fans who made it all worthwhile.
“While my driving chapter comes to a close, my passion for the sport certainly doesn’t. I’ll still be staying involved in the broadcast, helping shape the next generation and giving back to the sport that’s given me so much.”
Thank you to everyone who’s been part of the journey — there are too many name — it’s been one hell of a ride.
Tander finishes his career as one of the most successful drivers in Supercars/Australian Touring Car history.
After debuting at Garry Rogers Motorsport in 1998, Tander claimed his first Bathurst win and second place in the championship in 2000.
His sole championship win came in 2007 with the HSV Dealer Team, eventually racking up a total of 58 race wins.
Only Jamie Whincup, Craig Lowndes, Mark Skaife and Shane van Gisbergen have won more.
“I’ve been really, really fortunate. Incredibly fortunate,” he said.
“I still remember as a 21-year old kid, qualifying 16th at Phillip Island next to Dick Johnson, my very first ever race, stalling it on the grid, and I was last to the first corner.
“So to be able to end it like that, with a win at Bathurst with Grove Racing, it’s a much better way to finish it than it was the way that we started it.”
In a statement, Grove Racing confirmed Tander would remain with the team in a non-driving capacity, with a new role as team and driver advisor.
Matt Stone Racing’s Tim Slade, who featured in this year’s Enduro Cup alongside Nick Percat, has been linked to the newly vacant Grove co-driver seat.
Another option is Will Davison, whose schedule for 2026 was suddenly freed up after the 600-race veteran was unceremoniously dumped by Dick Johnson Racing in favour of Super2 leader Rylan Gray.
Tander’s retirement comes just two days after Whincup also revealed he will not feature on the grid in 2026, electing to step back from co-driving to focus on his role as Triple Eight managing director.
Whincup’s seat alongside championship leader Broc Feeney will be taken up by current Matt Stone Racing driver Nick Percat.
