Shane van Gisbergen. File photo. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
New Zealander Shane van Gisbergen and co-driver Garth Tander have claimed a second Bathurst 1000 victory as a duo after surviving a frantic sprint finish in Holden's farewell appearance at Mount Panorama.
It was van Gisbergen's second Bathurst 1000 title, while Tander adds a fifth to his tally.
"I just wanna go and do another skid, that was sick," he told the ABC, having shredded his tyres in celebration.
"I just can't thank the team enough.
"Garth was just on it this year.
"[Race engineer] Andrew has been epic.
"When Chaz got into second I got a bit worried because we know how fast he is here, but once the gap stayed at a second I knew we were OK."
The pair previously teamed up to win in 2020.
van Gisbergen says it is an honour to deliver Holden a Bathurst victory in its final Great Race.
The Chevrolet Camaro will replace the Commodore when the Gen3 era commences in 2023.
Both van Gisbergen and Tander revved up the crowd when they accepted the Peter Brock Trophy.
"It was awesome," van Gisbergen said on the podium.
"Compared to 2020, to have all the people here, and in this weather, thank you guys so much.
"To send Holden out like this is epic… up the Holden!
"It's a special way to send it out.
"Hopefully we can add a few more wins to the Commodore."
Tander, whose 642 career starts have come in Commodores, said: "A special thanks to all the Holden fans who have supported Holden.
"Over the entire journey, it was fantastic to have you along for the ride.
"We hope you join us at Chevrolet Racing next year."
Van Gisbergen celebrated the 2020 win in fitting style when he pinched a fan's Holden flag from the side of the track.
On Sunday, he laid down some typical van Gisbergen-esque burnouts in front of the thousands.
van Gisbergen was almost distracted by the wild crowd, as he was in New Zealand four weeks ago.
"I could see them going crazy," he said.
"The last couple of laps, I was trying to keep focused, it was a pretty big distraction."
The safety car appeared eight times during the 161-lap race, setting up a thrilling finish.
van Gisbergen has won 19 races this Supercars season, a new record.
The 2022 season will continue at the Gold Coast 500 on October 28-30.
- ABC/RNZ
