CO-DRIVERS DALE WOOD AND GARTH TANDER LOCKED IN FOR 2024
Melbourne, Victoria, 1 May 2024 – Penrite Racing proudly announces the addition of seasoned co-drivers Dale Wood and Garth Tander to its roster for the upcoming endurance rounds of the 2024 Repco Supercars Championship. This partnership merges their extensive expertise and skills, strengthening the team’s ongoing success. Currently holding 2nd place overall in the team championship, with primary drivers Richie Stanaway and Matt Payne maintaining 5th and 6th positions, respectively, in the driver championship, Penrite Racing is set for a promising endurance campaign ahead.
Dale Wood, a veteran in motorsport, brings a wealth of experience to the table, marking his 17th appearance at the prestigious Bathurst 1000. Teaming up with current Bathurst 1000 victor Richie Stanaway in Car #26, Wood’s decorated career boasts 495 Porsche Carrera Cup races, including 29 wins, 79 podium finishes, and 11 pole positions since his debut in 2008.
“I feel extremely invigorated this year to be joining this team,” Wood expressed. “I think there is a huge amount of excitement and positivity around this team at the moment, and to be a part of it is really motivating. Partnering with Richie, who I’ve always thought was a naturally talented fast guy, is a fantastic opportunity for me and I am excited to play my role and support him on these race weekends.”
“We’re thrilled to welcome Dale to the team,” said Brenton Grove, CEO of Penrite Racing. “His extensive experience in Supercars, particularly at iconic tracks like Bathurst and Sandown, coupled with his success in Porsche Carrera Cup, made him a standout choice for this year’s enduro campaign. Dale’s race fitness and familiarity with high-pressure racing situations will undoubtedly strengthen our team.”
Grove continued, “We’re excited to integrate him with Richie Stanaway and Garth Tander, bringing him in on all elements of the team.” Having another Victorian-based co-driver means we can utilise him for ride days, test sessions, and fully immerse him within the technical aspects of our operation.”
Team Principal David Cauchi commented, “We are really pleased to have Dale as part of our team for the endurance campaign of our championship. Dale brings years of experience in endurance racing and is a great personality to have in our team. We look forward to giving him some laps in our Penrite Racing Mustang during our upcoming test days.”
Richie Stanaway also shared his excitement, stating, “I’m excited to team up with Dale for the upcoming enduro rounds. His experience and track record speaks for him, and I’m confident that together, we’ll make a solid team on the track.”
Garth Tander, highly respected in the Australian motorsport scene, will rejoin Penrite Racing’s lineup as he partners with Matt Payne in Car #19. With five Bathurst 1000 victories, including recent successes in 2020 and 2022 under his belt, Tander brings invaluable experience to the team. Initially joining in 2022 to mentor Payne through his rookie season, now as co-drivers, they are ready to face the competition head on.
Looking forward to the partnership, Tander expressed his eagerness to begin, saying, “I’m excited to share the car with Matt at Sandown and Bathurst. Since Matt joined the team, I’ve closely mentored him and witnessed his rapid progress in Supercars. Our similar builds ensure smooth driver changes. Dale joining is also a great addition to the team; with Dale and Richie having similar builds, Car #19 will feature the taller blokes, and Car #26 the shorter blokes. I’m excited to have some fun!”
Get ready as Penrite Racing’s co-drivers, Dale Wood and Garth Tander, gear up for the 2024 Sandown 500 from September 13th to 15th, and the iconic Bathurst 1000 from October 10th to 13th. And don’t forget to mark May 28th on your calendars, as Dale Wood makes his debut in the driver’s seat of the Penrite Racing Ford Mustang, kicking off what promises to be an action-packed endurance season.
