A new rule introduced by V8 Supercars Australia for the 2010 endurance season mandates that each ‘regular season’ driver must remain in their primary car for V8’s three event ‘Season of Endurance’ – the L&H 500 Phillip Island, Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 and the Armor All Gold Coast 600.

Tander, winner of the past two L&H 500s, will be joined in the #2 Toll HRT Commodore by veteran Cameron McConville, while talented 25 year old David Reynolds will make his first start in red for the famous Holden factory team in its 20th Anniversary season alongside Davison.

This will be the second time Tander and McConville have teamed together, having contested the 2004 enduros together when they drove for Garry Rogers Motorsport.

Tander said the Toll HRT’s decision to sign McConville for this year’s enduro campaign was an easy one.

“Cameron was the obvious choice to me, he’s a great guy, we have been team-mates and driven together [at GRM] before, and we have exactly the same seating position,” Tander said.

“He’s got a lot of experience and even though Cam’s retired from fulltime driving he has plenty of miles under his belt this year.

“Cameron finished second at Bathurst last year, so it’s a strong combination whenever you can pair the first and second place finishers together.”

McConville, who retired from fulltime driving at the end of last season, said he was looking forward to V8’s enduro season.

“I’m ecstatic, to be driving with Garth and for the factory Toll Holden Racing Team is a wonderful opportunity and one I’m not taking lightly,” McConville said.

“Everything I have done this year has been in anticipation of the next three races, so I am really looking forward to making a solid contribution to the team’s success.

“Garth and I are great mates and I have good memories of us driving together in 2004. We finished fourth at Sandown that year and were on track for a podium at Bathurst until Garth was crashed out of the race, so it’s fair to say we’ve got unfinished business together.”

This will also be McConville’s second enduro campaign with HRT, the 36 year old having partnered Craig Lowndes in 1999, earning a pair of podium finishes – their second place finish at Mount Panorama securing Lowndes and HRT their third Australian Touring Car/V8 Supercar Championship.

“It’s ironic that the last time I drove only in the enduros in a season I drove for HRT, so I’m back to where I started – I guess it’s just meant to be!”

After a difficult first half of the year, Davison said he was looking forward to getting his season back on track with a strong showing in the enduros, with the reigning Barry Sheene Medallist giving his co-driver the green light to push for race wins.

“With the way my season has played out I have absolutely nothing to lose and everything to gain, so we are going into full attack mode for the enduros,” Davison said.

“I’m rapt to have David driving the #22 Toll Commodore with me, he is seriously talented, fast and extremely motivated with a point to prove in V8 Supercars.

“We have been friends for a long time and this is a great opportunity for us both.

“I’ve told David not to worry about it being ‘my’ car, so we can just go for it – I’m pumped about our chances at Phillip Island.”

Reynolds is well aware of the occasion in driving for Holden’s factory team and is relishing the chance to drive a Toll HRT Commodore.

“It is fair to say that opportunities to drive a red Commodore for the factory Toll Holden Racing Team don’t come along often in this business, so I am very, very excited,” Reynolds said.

“I have been working my whole career towards this opportunity and even though I have had a fair amount of downtime during the year I have been training as hard as I possibly could, and I am fitter than I have ever been.

“I am excited about working with Will, helping him set up the #22 Toll HRT Commodore, getting our driver changes sorted out, and making the most of the opportunity regardless of any challenges that are thrown our way.

“Phillip Island is one of my favourite tracks, it’s the track I’ve had the most success on so I am very much looking forward to it – hopefully we’ll end up on the podium.”

The L&H 500 takes place at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit over the 10-12 September weekend.

General Admission tickets are available from $26 with grandstands from $131.

Camping at the circuit is available while the family friendly event includes an exclusive Saturday Night Driver BBQ for Camping and Grandstand ticket holders only, featuring Jason Singh (lead singer of former band Taxi Ride), all V8 Supercar drivers racing at the event, V8 Ute drivers and Australian Superbike riders. For fans wishing to travel from Melbourne, coach services are available.

Add New Comment Author * Email *   500  Characters remaining Comment *   Please enter the code Terms and Conditions

Discounted Tickets for HRT Members and Facebook Fans V8 Supercars Australia is running a trial on ticketing for this year’s L and H 5...