Garth Tander steals pole at Symmons Plains

Garth Tander has taken pole for Race 21 of the V8 Supercars Championship Series at Symmons Plains Raceway today.

The factory Toll Holden Racing team driver took his fifth pole of the year, edging out TeamVodafone’s Craig Lowndes.

“It’s great to on pole,” Tander said.

“It’s very important here at Symmons Plains to be somewhere up there front.

“Tyre temperature was a big deal for the lap, and then no mistakes. This afternoon is going to be an interesting afternoon on the Sprint tyre.”

Third place went to Orrcon Steel FPR’s Mark Winterbottom. The first three drivers are all within a mathematical chance of the title, while the two championship leaders – James Courtney and Jamie Whincup – will start the race from 12^th and 11^th respectively.

Castrol EDGE Racing’s Greg Murphy ended the provision qualifying session in 10^th place, but a solid lap eventually saw him take third.

Lee Holdsworth (Fujitsu/GRM) took fourth place ahead of Steve Richards (Dunlop Super Dealers FPR), Michael Caruso (Fujitsu/GRM), Jason Bright (Trading Post Racing) and Russell Ingall (Supercheap Auto Racing).

Paul Dumbrell had two major moments in The Bottle-O Racing Ford Falcon during his lap, running wide at the exit of the hairpin and the final corner. He rounded out the top 10.

Race 21 of the V8 Supercars Championship Series at Symmons Plains will start at 3.35pm EDT.